Iran FM swipes back at US after Iraq claims

Qods News Agency (Qodsna) Speaking on CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS" on Sunday, Zarif denied US allegations that American interests in the Arab country were facing “increasing threats” from the Islamic Republic.

"We of course have influence in Iraq but that does not mean we control people in Iraq, as the United States doesn't control people in countries with whom it has good relations," Zarif said.

"Mr. Pompeo and [White House national security adviser] Mr. Bolton, instead of making these irrelevant threats that would produce no positive results, need to look at their own policies,” Zarif said.

The United States announced on Friday it would effectively close its consulate in Basra “following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militia, including rocket fire,” Reuters reported.

US closes consulate in Basra over 'security concerns'

The US State Department says it has shut down its consulate in Iraq’s Basra, citing security concerns as the reason.

Explaining the move later, Pompeo said, “I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks.”

Bolton also threatened during an anti-Iran gathering recently that there would be “hell to pay…if you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens.”

The top Iranian diplomat also said that the Iranian consulate general’s building was also destroyed in Basra earlier in September, but Iran quickly resumed diplomatic mission at a new facility.