TEHRAN -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, in a telephone conversation with his Italian counterpart Franco Fratinni Tuesday, discussed the latest developments in Iraq and relations between Iran and the European Union (EU).

Fratinni expressed deep regret over the recent terrorist act in Iraq which led to the martyrdom in Najaf of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer Hakim, the head of the Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SAIRI), in a car bomb blast when he was returning from Friday prayer. Some 125 people were martyred in the blast, IRNA reported.

Condemning such acts, he said Ayatollah Hakim`s absence was regrettable not only for the Iraqi Shiite Muslims but also for the international community.

He pointed to EU`s willingness to continue constructive talks with Iran and said continuation of consultation and cooperation would be in line with the two sides` interests.

Kharrazi enumerated the efforts made by Ayatollah Hakim and referred to him as a great and influential figure in the history of the struggles of the Iraqi nation.

"The martyrdom of Ayatollah Hakim proved that certain circles are not willing to establish security and peace in Iraq and are after making the situation in that country complicated," he said.

The Iranian minister termed the ongoing discussions between Iran and the European Union as fruitful.

Turning to the increasing cooperation of Iran with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the official stressed the necessity of avoidance from psychological and propaganda war, and from putting IAEA under pressure and politicizing the forthcoming conference of its board of governors.