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Iran opposes move for U.S. bases in Iraq

DUBAI: Iran and Iraq are discussing ways to avert possible difficulties in ties following a proposed security pact that Iraq might sign with the U.S.

Visiting Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, in his talks with Iranians, said Iraq would not allow the use of its territory for staging attacks against Iran.

His remarks came amid Iranian concerns about Baghdad agreeing to a U.S. proposal to establish military bases before the U.N. mandate in Iraq ends in December this year.

Despite Mr. Maliki’s assurances, the Iranians on Monday clarified they opposed U.S. military presence in Iraq. In his meeting with Mr. Maliki on Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said U.S. military presence was the main cause of Iraq’s problems.

“That a foreign element gradually interferes in all Iraqi affairs and expands its domination on all aspects of life is the main obstacle in the way of progress and prosperity of the Iraqi nation,” Iran’s state TV quoted the Ayatollah as saying. Iranian media reports said the U.S. is also seeking 50 full-scale military bases throughout Iraq, immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law for its military and other personnel and the right to detain Iraqi citizens.

Iran Radio, in a commentary, accused the U.S. of bribing Iraqi legislators to secure their endorsement for the proposed treaty.

The former Iranian President, Hashemi Rafsanjani, said last week the agreement would “turn the Iraqis into slaves before the Americans.” The U.S. proposal has also faced internal criticism in Iraq.

Iraq’s spiritual head, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, and influential Shia cleric Moqtada al Sadr have apparently urged a referendum as the basis of a decision on this subject.

Analysts pointed out that many politicians would like to delay a decision on the U.S. proposal.

There is also an argument that a series of U.N. resolutions that apply to foreign force deployed in Iraq could be renewed by the year-end, thereby averting the need for a military pact.

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