Speaking during a meeting in Tehran with visiting Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Ammar al-Hakim, Zarif stressed the expansion of Tehran-Baghdad ties as a top priority on the agenda of the Iranian government and said Iran supports Iraq in the fight against ISIL seeking to destabilize the country and undermine unity among the Iraqi nation.
Pointing to his recent visits to Lebanon and Syria, Iranian minister said that the visits were in the light of Iran nuclear deal with the aim of finding solutions to crises in Syria and Lebanon and discussing regional issues with various political leaders and parties.
He also touched upon his visit to Russia, saying that Tehran and Moscow consultations were constructive and fruitful in terms of support for the sovereignty of Syria, showing respect to the views of the Syrian people and seeking reasonable ways in accordance with current realities.
"The visit highlighted potentially serious risks caused by growing roots of extremism and ISIL anti-human violence," Zarif said.
The chairman of ISCI, for his part, said that Iraqis have taken major steps in their campaign against ISIL terrorists, based on the guidelines of religious leaders.
Hakim said that all Iraqi people, the Shia and Sunni Muslims and Christians, have become unified to counter the threats posed by ISIL terrorists.
Ammar Hakim pointed out the positive effects of Iran nuclear deal with the West, saying that the impacts of Iran's agreement with the West on the region has opened a new chapter over regional developments with many of the regional elites and the public considering the approach as a result of Iran's Leader's wisdom over the issue.