Tehran / Anadolu

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf affirmed, in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi in Tehran on Friday, that Israel represents the first enemy of Islamic countries.

These remarks come amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

The meeting took place in Tehran according to the Iranian Young Journalists Association news agency.

Qalibaf stressed the importance of regional relations between the two countries, expressing the possibility of cooperation to resolve regional issues.

According to the agency, Qalibaf affirmed that Israel is the first enemy of Islamic countries, noting that the cooperation provided by Iran and Iraq in confronting Israel and preserving the unity of Islamic countries has a significant impact.

For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister clarified that Tehran and Baghdad are not just neighbors but partners due to their presence in the same region.

On Thursday, al-Zaidi arrived in Iran for a two-day visit, leading a high-level ministerial delegation, to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries, in addition to regional issues.

Al-Zaidi's visit to Tehran aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss regional issues. Israel is a sworn enemy of Iran, which does not recognize its existence. Iraq also tries to maintain a balance in its relations with both Tehran and Washington. Qalibaf's remarks may provoke international reactions, especially from Western countries supporting Israel.