TEHRAN -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here on Monday that the United States will not succeed to implement its plots in Iraq.

“Surely the United States’ dreams about Iraq will not come true,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
The Iranian Leader said currently Iraq’s main problem is the presence of occupying forces.
Presence of the occupiers, especially U.S. soldiers in the country, is one of the major obstacles in the way of a united Iraq, the Leader explained.
“The occupiers, who interfere in Iraq’s affairs through their military and security power without having the right..., are considered the greatest problem,” the Leader insisted.
Maliki’s visit to Tehran came amid strong criticism from Iran over the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) pact between Baghdad and Washington on maintaining U.S. soldiers in Iraq beyond 2008.
Ayatollah Khamenei suggested that all influential figures in Iraq should think of a solution for extricating the country from this major problem.
The Iraqi administration and parliament, which have come to power through people’s votes, should be able to fully control the country and make decisions about various issues, he added.
The Iranian Leader said the people of Iraq will surely pass this difficult time through “unity and willpower” and will reach the “status they deserve”.
“The fact that a foreign element gradually interferes in all Iraqi affairs and expands its domination on all aspects of life in the country is the main hindrance in the way of progress and prosperity of the Iraqi nation.”
--------Unbreakable ties
The Supreme Leader expressed hope that the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to Iran would make the “unbreakable ties” between the two countries stronger, adding that the Islamic Republic considers helping Iraq a “religious duty”.
Maliki presented a report of his country’s latest condition and appreciated Iran’s support for Iraq in various situations.
The Iraqi officials of various sects and ethnicities have come to a consensus on the necessity of moving toward unity and returning dignity and independence to the country, the prime minister stated.
Maliki also said Baghdad calls for the best of relations and cooperation with Tehran