Iran's president has said he would consider working with the US to combat Islamist militants in Iraq, as he offered help fight the insurgents. President Hassan Rouhani suggested he would be willing to co-operate with Iran's traditional enemy to keep the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from taking control of its Middle East neighbour.
In a televised address on Saturday morning Mr Rouhani said Iran would be willing to go to Iraq’s assistance and added: "We all should practically and verbally confront terrorist groups."
Asked if Tehran would work with the Americans, he said: "We can think about it if we see America start confronting the terrorist groups in Iraq or elsewhere."
President Barack Obama has ruled out putting American troops on the ground in Iraq, but says the White House is considering all other options for support.
Iran is predominately Shia and does not want to see a Sunni caliphate established on its borders by ISIS fighters, who are now thought to be fewer than 50 miles (80km) from Iraq's capital.
Foreign Secretary William Hague has ruled out sending UK troops, but said Britain may offer other support, such as counter-terrorism expertise, which could see the involvement of the SAS, as it did in Libya.
"Work is under way on that now and we will continue to liaise closely with our United States allies in particular on that," he said.
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Poster Comment:
Well? What does John "Bomb Iran" McCain and Lil' Linthey Graham say now? Iran has extended their hand to America and is offering to carry the burden in Iraq. Strange times.....