Iraq Apologizes to Iran for Attack on Najaf Consulate

In a Thursday telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim offered his apologies for a Wednesday attack on the Iranian consulate in Najaf.

Alhakim also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the diplomatic missions and the Iranian diplomats in Iraq.

Anti-government protesters stormed and set the Iranian consulate ablaze in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf on Wednesday, drawing condemnation from Iraq's government, as the political turmoil continues to escalate.

Staff at the Iranian consulate evacuated safely before the attack in the holy city, which was later placed under a curfew, state media reported.

In a statement on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi condemned the attack on the consulate, saying the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has been officially informed of the Islamic Republic’s strong protest over the issue.

The Iranian spokesman also urged the Baghdad government to deal decisively with those behind the incident, and recalled the responsibility and duties of the Iraqi government to protect diplomatic missions and diplomats.

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