Iraqi Government Pledges to Protect Diplomatic Missions

The Iraqi government on Thursday pledged to protect diplomatic missions, a few days after an attack on Iran’s consulate in the southern city of Karbala.

The government said it rejects and condemns any act that would destabilize diplomatic missions in Iraq.

Last Sunday, Iraqi protestors gathered outside the Iranian consulate in Karbala, burning tires, according to local media reports.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said: “The Iraqi government renews its commitment to the security and safety of diplomatic missions operating in Iraq, and to adopt all means to facilitate their work, in accordance with what is stipulated in international agreements.”

This is not the first time that protesters attack the Iranian consulate in Karbala. In 2019, dozens of Iraqi protesters attacked the consulate amid nationwide anti-government protests.