Tasnim � An Iraqi diplomat praised Iran for the timely support it provided for the Baghdad government in the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group, saying the Islamic Republic was indeed the first friend to rush for help.





�We thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its steady supports for Iraq. The first side that helped Iraq and supported the country in the fight against the Daesh terrorist group was the Islamic Republic of Iran,� charge d'affaires at the Iraqi Embassy in Damascus, Riad Hassoun Al-Taie, told Tasnim.

As regards the liberation of Iraq�s northern city of Mosul from Daesh, the diplomat said the recapture of the strategic city as well as the successive victories gained by the Syrian Army would thwart the ambitions of the notorious group and its sponsors.

In late June, the Iraqi military forces retook Mosul after eight months of difficult urban warfare. The city�s liberation put an end to the caliphate Daesh had declared in Iraq.

Amid tensions in Iraq, Iran is known as the first country to help the Arab nation and has always voiced support for Iraq�s territorial integrity and prosperity.