The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday saying that they hold the Iraqi government wholly responsible for the destruction of their consulate in Najaf, noting that the government is legally responsible for securing the safety of diplomatic missions.
Iraqi protesters have taken an anti-Iran stance amid reports Iran opposes regime change, and have hit the consulate multiple times. On Wednesday, they burned it to the ground outright.
Iran’s statement went on to demand that the Iraqi government show a “firm response to the aggressors.” Iraq has already killed at least 28 protesters on Thursday, and seems to be more aggressive in trying to kill people.
Protests are showing no signs of slowing down in Iraq, and Iran’s statement risks the protesters viewing them as even more responsible for the violent crackdown than they already did, potentially making other Iranian sites in Iraq potential targets as well.
Yes, indeed, Jason Ditz, the Iraqi gov;t is definitely responsible for failing to protect the Iranian Consulate (which was burned to the ground by protesters). The Iraqi gov’t has to put those protesters to work rebuilding the Consulate building in the same spot .. That’s the best form of punishment for those protesters who escaped injury and/or death. Instead of giving them lengthy prison sentences, the Iraqi gov’t should put them to work on rebuilding the Iranian Consulate .. Those who either refuse to work, or perform shoddy work should simply remain in prison; those who perform the rebuilding of the Iranian Consulate should then be released when it’s totally rebuilt and ready for its occupants to move back in.