PHOTO: Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi with the Supreme Leader on Wednesday

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Iran’s regime has used the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi to proclaim “unity” with the Baghdad Government while challenging the US for influence.

Abadi was hosted in Tehran on Wednesday by high-level officials, including the Supreme Leader and President Rouhani. Ayatollah Khamenei promoted Iran’s support while denouncing the US over its intervention in the fight against the Islamic State:

The Western intelligence agencies aim to destroy the pillars of Iraq’s political and national unity….One should vigilantly and carefully stand against this plot and divisive attempt and not allow the unity among the Shia and Sunni and Kurd and Arab to be damaged.

Since the Islamic State’s rapid advance across northern and eastern Iraq last June, the Supreme Leader and other Iranian officials have staked out Tehran’s leading position in support of the Iraqi Government and of Shia militias who could bolster the fragile Iraqi Army. The Islamic Republic has provided commanders — notably Qods Force leader Qassem Soleimani — fighters, warplanes, and heavy weapons, as well as political and economic backing.

At the same time, Ayatollah Khamenei has led the rebuttal of the American intervention of airpower and military advisors from August 2014. They have dismissed any significance, while accusing the US of creating the same Islamic State that American warplanes are attacking.

Khamenei reiterated on Wednesday that Shia militias, whose involvement is viewed with scepticism by Washington, are essential with their “an effective and influential role” beyond the battlefield:

One of the main characteristics of the Iraqi people, which was manifested more than ever before in the fight against terrorists, is the bravery, resolve and power of the popular volunteer and tribal forces in confronting the enemies.

The Supreme Leader then returned to his attack on the US:

The Americans on the one hand are seeking to plunder Iraq’s wealth as they do in some other Arab countries in the region and on the other hand impose their demands as before. However, one should not allow this objective to be realized.


Pause in Hostility as Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Meets Saudi FM in Jeddah

Interrupting the recent hostile exchanges between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has met Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir in Jeddah on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting.

Amir-Abdollahian said he expressed Iran’s emphasis on “the need to end wars in the region and resolve problems through political means”.

The visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday was the first by an Iranian official since a Saudi-led coalition began aerial intervention in Yemen’s civil war in March.

See Iran Daily, June 16: Tehran Reaching Out to Saudi Arabia over Yemen Civil War?

The confrontation in Yemen added to Iran’s criticism of Saudi Arabia over regional crises such as Syria, with Tehran accusing Riyadh of supporting “Takfiri terrorists” and even the Islamic State.

However, earlier this month Iran backed away from a showdown with Saudi Arabia and the US off the coast of Yemen, diverting a cargo ship with aid to Djibouti in east Africa.


Lawyer Imprisoned After Handshake with Detained Client, Artist Atena Faraghdani

Attorney Mohammad Moghimi was imprisoned last Saturday after he shooks hands with his client, artist and civil activist Atena Faraghdani, during a visit to Evin Prison.

Moghimi was charged with “non-adultery illegitimate relations” for the handshake. He was scheduled to be released on Tuesday after his family paid bail of 20 million Toman (about $60,000).

Faraghdani was recently given a prison sentence of 12 years and 9 months for drawing MPs as animals, making critical remarks on Twitter, and visiting families of political prisoners, including those killed after the disputed 2009 Presidential election. Moghimi was seeing her about an appeal.

A source close to Farghadani’s family said:

Atena was excited to see her lawyer, so she offered her hand and the lawyer shook hands with her. This happened in the presence of two agents in the room. Atena apologized for this right there…but the agents didn’t let it go and took her back to her prison ward and arrested Mr. Moghimi right there.


Parliament Threatens to Impose Conditions on Nuclear Talks

Pressing the Rouhani Government, the Iranian Parliament is threatening to impose conditions on any nuclear agreement with the 5+1 Powers.

On Wednesday, Parliament approved the introduction of legislation “to protect the nuclear rights and achievements of Iran”, setting three requirements.

*In opposition to the Government line that the removal of UN, European Union, and US sanctions will take some time after a nuclear deal, with the “implementation” of the terms, the legislation insists on the lifting of all restrictions on the day of signature.

*The UN, rather than the International Atomic Energy Agency, should oversee inspection of nuclear sites. All access to military sites and to nuclear scientists is forbidden.

*There must be no limits on acquisition of “peaceful nuclear knowledge and technology for development and research”.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chairman of Parliament’s National Security Commission Chairman, said:

It is necessary for the government to commit to protect the nuclear rights and achievements of Iran in the current environment with the excessive demands of the Americans…and to specify and protect the criteria drawn up by the [UN] Security Council and the red lines laid down by the Supreme Leader.

Parliament will vote on the bill on Sunday.