The Iranian government believes it can help the American troops to have a low-cost withdrawal from Afghanistan. During the recent years many news stories and politicians have reported about “secret” negotiations between Islamic Republic and the United States over Afghanistan and Iraq. But Iran’s former Syrian ambassador, Hossein Sheikholeslam, says this country has not ever negotiated with U.S. over Afghanistan.
“We are ready to help the American troops to withdraw from Afghanistan. During a joint press conference in Kabul which was held three months ago I offered Americans to take advantage from Iran’s helps. Our country did the same for Americans when they wanted to leave Iraq.” Hossein Sheikholeslam, member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, said.
“In that time Americans were worried about the military presence of Iranian forces in Iraq. But we can make them sure that this will never happen in Afghanistan as Iranians didn’t dispatch any troops to its neighboring country before. Islamic Republic is not intending to misuse its influence in Afghanistan.” Sheikholeslam added.
“Currently we don’t have positive political relations with the United States government. The main goal of Islamic Republic is helping other Muslim countries, so we can ignore our disagreements with Americans on this subject, if they choose to negotiate with us.” Hossein Sheikholeslam concluded and referred to the soft policy of his country against U.S. over regional issues.
Iran is opposed with the military presence of U.S. troops in Middle East region because it poses a great risk to the country, which is pursuing its controversial nuclear program.