The United States has made a crucial announcement on Friday that it is closing its US consulate in Basra and relocate its diplomats from Iran amidst increasing threats from Iran and it’s backed militia reported Reuters.
Responding to US statements closing its consulate, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said the consulate closure was “unjustified and unnecessary,” MEM reports.
He also said Iran never supported attacks on diplomats or any diplomatic locations.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said that it regretted the decision and urged foreign diplomats not to pay attention to “what is being circulated to undermine the climate of security and stability accompanying Iraq’s relations with the countries of the world.”
Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State explaining US’s new move said that it will hold Iran responsible for any attacks on Americans or US diplomats after the recent rocket attack that was carried out at the consulate in Basra but had no impact on the consulate.
“I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks,” Pompeo had said in a statement.
Mike in his statement also added, “We look to all international parties interested in peace and stability in Iraq and the region to reinforce our message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of their behavior.”