Following days of protests at Iraq’s parliament against Iran’s interference in the country’s politics, Tehran says it respects the choice of the Iraqi people. 

Speaking in his weekly press conference on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that stability in the region depends on the stability in Iraq. 

Emphasizing that dialogue is the best way to solve Iraq’s domestic problems, he said, “we are confident that with the maturity of the Iraqi people, and the tact by the Iraqi leaders, the country will pass this phase well and we will witness increasing stability and peace in Iraq.”

Describing Iraq as Iran’s “big and important neighboring country,” Kanaani said Tehran follows the developments there carefully and attaches significant importance to the security of this “important friendly and brotherly neighbor.”

“We believe that Iraqi political movements and parties and organizations can overcome the current situation in a peaceful way... within the framework of the constitution and legal mechanisms of the country and help the country’s development and progress through forming a popular government,” he added. 

On Sunday, July 31, influential Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr -- who seeks to curb the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraqi politics -- called on his supporters to join thousands of others who have camped at the parliament to prevent the formation of a new government, saying that now is the best time to change the political system and constitution. “This is a great chance for radical change to the political system. Don’t miss your chance."