Iran withholding support for militants, Iraq says
Published 10:18 pm Saturday, November 17, 2007
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government spokesman said Saturday that Iran has shown increasing restraint in its support for militants.
U.S. officials have recently made similar claims, appearing to soften their stance against Iran in Iraq amid a decline in violence.
Iran has denied claims by American commanders that it is arming and training Shiite militia fighters in Iraq.
“Everything gives the feeling that Iran is making good on its pledge,” Ali al-Dabbagh said.
He also said Iran was a factor in militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s decision in August to order his Mahdi Army militia fighters to cease attacks.
On Thursday, Maj. Gen. James Simmons, a deputy commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq, said Iran seems to be honoring a commitment to stem the flow of deadly weapons into Iraq, contributing to nearly a 50 percent drop in the number of roadside bombs.
