Iran General Offers Equipment, But No Troops, for Iraq’s War

Says Joint Operations Not Being Considered

Echoing similar sentiments from the United States, Iran’s General Mohammed Hejazi says that his nation is prepared to provide military equipment and advice, but no troops for Iraq‘s ongoing fight with al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).

AQI took over the city of Fallujah late last week, and has resisted initial military attempts to retake it. Though the Maliki government is talking up his nation’s military capabilities, they seem to be dependent on allies for equipment to tackle major fights.

And that means the US and Iran, who though not on good terms with one another are both close with Maliki. Still, the disastrous nature of Iraq’s security situation means their support will stop short of anything that gets them sucked directly into the conflict.

Gen. Hejazi downplayed the notion that troops had ever been considered as an option, saying Iran believes Iraq has “no need of manpower.” The Obama Administration, meanwhile, has simply conceded that sending troops would be too unpopular to seriously consider.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.