TEHRAN — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was in Tehran on Saturday for talks that are expected to focus on a proposed U.S.-Iraq security agreement that Iran fears will keep the American military in neighboring Iraq for years.
The deal, which the Iraqis and Americans hope to finish by midsummer, would establish a long-term security relationship between Iraq and the United States. But critics say it will allow the U.S. to set up military bases across Iraq and allow it to use the country as a launching pad for military attacks in the region.
The official IRNA news agency said al-Maliki was expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Intelligence Minister Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi later Saturday.
Al-Maliki is expected to hold talks today with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili.
The news agency said al-Maliki will also discuss “security issues,” a reference to U.S. allegations that Iran is arming, funding and training Shiite militiamen. Iran has denied the charges, saying it supports Iraq’s security and stability.
