“We are very clear that we have been helping the Iraqi government, the central government as well as the regional government in Kurdistan to fight ISIS. We have been the real supporters of Iraq in dealing with this menace because we believe this is a threat,” Zarif said in an interview with CCTV on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
When asked whether Iran would participate in the so-called US-led coalition against ISIL, the top Iranian diplomat responded with a firm “No”.
Zarif further cast doubt on the US’s seriousness in fighting the ISIL, saying that Washington should give up its double standards on confronting the terrorist group.
“But if the United States really wants to fight this menace, it should abandon its double standards policy of trying to undermine the government in Damascus which is fighting ISIS (ISIL),” Zarif said.
In a nationally televised address on September 10, US President Barack Obama said the United States will join “our friends and allies to degrade, and ultimately destroy, the terrorist group known as ISIL.”
On September 19, Obama also signed into law a piece of legislation authorizing the military to arm and train anti-Syria militants.
Iran has time and again voiced support for the Iraqi and Syrian governments in their fight against Takfiri militants wreaking havoc in the Arab countries.
The ISIL controls large swathes of Syria’s northern territory. The group sent its members into neighboring Iraq in June and seized large parts of land there.
The terrorists have committed heinous crimes and threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Izadi Kurds, during their advances.
The terrorist group has links with Saudi intelligence, and is believed to be supported by the Israeli regime.