Tehran:The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing the need to hold the US government accountable for the crimes and damages inflicted during the US occupation of Iraq.

According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, the ministry congratulated the people and government of Iraq on the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The statement highlighted the tragic consequences of the US and its allies' military presence in Iraq since the invasion on March 20, 2003, which was initiated under the false pretext of countering weapons of mass destruction.

The ministry outlined the dire impacts of the occupation, noting the loss of over one million Iraqi lives, including many innocent women and children, and the extensive material damages to Iraq's infrastructure. It also detailed environmental destruction, war crimes such as the torture at Abu Ghraib prison, and the facilitation of terrorism, including the rise of ISIS.

Iran's statement honored the resistance of the Iraqi people against occupation and terrorism while stressing the importance of respecting Iraq's sovereignty. It criticized the US military presence for fostering violence, insecurity, and terrorism in the region. The ministry also paid tribute to the martyrs, particularly Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Haj Qassem Soleimani, who died fighting against terrorism and occupation.