TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Iran considers consultation with Iraq very important in line with establishing peace and stability in the Middle East.

During a meeting with Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Ammar Hakim in Tehran on Monday, Zarif also said Tehran attaches great importance to unity among all sects in countering extremism.

The ISCI chief also presented a report on the latest developments in his country.

---U.S. does not seek to destroy ISIL---

During a separate meeting with Hakim on Monday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the U.S. does not seek to destroy Daesh.

Instead the U.S. seeks to use terrorism instrumentally to legitimize infiltration into the Middle East, the security official commented.

Shamkhani also called on regional countries to make efforts to eradicate terrorism.

He also said Iran attaches importance to political dialogue to end the bloodshed in the region.

For his part, Hakim said Iraq will stand against any foreign plots to create division in the country.

He also praised Iran’s support for the Iraqi government and people in fighting terrorism.

NA/PA