US ‘concerned’ at Iran’s Iraqi oil incursion

20/12/09 13:07 CET

world news

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America’s most senior soldier has expressed concerns about an Iranian military incursion into Iraq, but said only Baghdad and Tehran could resolve the issue. The Iraqi Prime Minister met American commanders amid fears that Iran is deliberately escalating tensions between the two long-time rivals.

Today there are reports that the Iranians have pulled back from a remote disused oil well, but have not returned to their original positions.

“I think that political leaders have to work that out,” said Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. “But I worry a great deal about Iran’s view of destabilising the region.”

A small group of Iranian soldiers comandeered the al-Fakkah well in Maysan province last week, reportedly raising their country’s flag. As tension grows, the incident could have serious implications with so many American troops still in Iraq, and Washington leading the international criticism of Iran’s nuclear programme.

More about: Iran, Iraq, Oil market

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