The Iraqi defence minister visited Tehran and met with senior Iranian officials. Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami told his counterpart that Iran “is prepared to strengthen Iraq’s defence power and meet the needs of Iraqi armed forces”. He also argued that “achieving stability and peace in the region would be impossible with the presence of extra-regional forces”. In turn, the Iraqi minister maintained that his visit aimed “to strengthen and enhance the bilateral relations and get acquainted with Iran’s scientific and technological achievements and experiences in the defence industry”. He also thanked Iran for “advisory and arms assistance in the battle against the ISIS terrorist group”, while voicing interest to “expand interaction with Iran in order to increase the capabilities of… [Iraqis] armed forces with the purpose of eradicating the remaining terrorist groups”.