TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Iraq was a slap in the face of Washington which was trying to pressure the Arab country to join the U.S. unilateral sanctions against Tehran, former Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi said on Monday.

“Though the Americans pressured Baghdad to accompany them in the oppressive sanctions against people of Iran, the Iraqi government and parliament resisted against the illegal demand of the U.S.,” Fars quoted Kazemi Qomi as saying.

“The visit is being made right at the time when we are witnessing great developments in the region,” he remarked.

MH/PA