Iraqi, Iranian people allies, partners in defending Islam, sacred values

In a meeting with Astan Quds Razavi custodian, a delegation of Iraqi tribal sheikhs, elders, and leaders expressed their delight at being present in the holy city of Mashhad and visiting luminous shrine of Imam Reza (AS), and spoke of enduring ties between two nations of Iran and Iraq.
Iraqi guests described massive presence of Iraqi people, sheikhs, and tribes in funeral procession of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution as a manifestation of loyalty and fraternity of the two nations, emphasizing continuation of this solidarity.

Sheikh Mohammad Abbas al-Araibi: We are grateful for the hospitality and welcome of the Islamic republic of Iran
In another part of the meeting, Sheikh Mohammad Abbas al-Araibi, deputy and advisor to the prime minister of Iraq for tribal affairs, speaking on behalf of Iraqi sheikhs and elders, expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting and welcoming Iraqi tribal delegation.
He stated: "On behalf of the brothers, Sadat, and tribal sheikhs of Iraq present in this gathering, we thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its gracious welcome and hospitality toward Iraqi delegation."
Sheikh al-Araibi also expressed appreciation to the officials, sheikhs, and Sadat in the Islamic Republic of Iran who played a role in accompanying and welcoming Iraqi delegation, praying to Almighty God to protect two nations of Iraq and Iran from any evil and harm.

Sheikh Risan Mutashar Fahd: Stance of Iraqi tribes in supporting Iran stems from their historical belief and ethos
Subsequently, Sheikh Risan Mutashar Fahd, an Iraqi tribal sheikh, pointing to the historical role of tribes in shaping history and civilization of this country, said: "Anyone who examines ancient and contemporary history of Iraq will realize that an important part of the history and civilization of this land has been built upon the role-playing and honorable stances of Iraqi tribes."
Emphasizing that throughout history tribes of Iraq have been people of generosity, zeal, and adherence to values, he added: "The Iraqi tribes have never been servants of tyrants or lackeys of despots; rather, they have always been known for their honor, dignity, and grand, esteemed positions."
Referring to presence of Iraqi delegation in vicinity of the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) and expressing sympathy with Iranian nation following martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei (RA), this tribal sheikh asserted: "The stance of the Iraqi tribes alongside the Islamic Republic of Iran is the enduring behavior, ethos, and method of the Iraqi people in traversing path of truth."
Pointing to the Islamic Republic of Iran's support for Muslim nations in various parts of the world, Sheikh Risan Mutashar Fahd noted: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has made no distinction among identities and denominations in its support for Muslims, and has stood by Muslims during difficult days. The peoples of Iraq and Iran are one nation, and this bond and partnership will continue until the end of time."

Sheikh Faris al-Budairi: Bond between Iran and Iraq is founded upon religion, faith, and enduring relations
Sheikh Faris al-Budairi, another Iraqi tribal sheikh, also expressed joy at being present in the holy city of Mashhad and visiting Razavi shrine during the meeting, describing bond between Iranian and Iraqi nations as transcending geographical neighborliness.
Pointing to the shared attributes of the two nations, he said: "Most vital factor binding Iran and Iraq is faith and the religion of Islam, as well as genuine and deeply rooted relations that have existed between two nations for centuries."
Referring to the extensive onslaught launched by the enemies of Islam against the Islamic Republic of Iran and religion of Islam, this Iraqi sheikh remarked: "Islamic Republic of Iran holds a steadfast position in defending Islam and oppressed Muslims across various parts of the world."
Mentioning martyrdom of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, members of his family, and a group of Iranian commanders and people, Sheikh al-Budairi spoke of the grief felt by Iraqi people over this incident and emphasized: "People of Iraq, across all spectrums and inclinations, followed this event with profound sorrow and demonstrated honorable stances. We, as tribal sheikhs, are proud of this partnership, because we believe that martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution was a leader for all people of Iraq as well as Iranian nation."

Sheikh Ali al-Ghanimi: the people of Iraq stood alongside the Islamic republic of Iran from the very first moments
Sheikh Ali al-Ghanimi, another speaker at the meeting, referring to the reception and hospitality extended to the Iraqi delegation from the moment of their arrival at the airport until their presence in Razavi holy shrine and the Willayat Hall, stated: "Our presence in this meeting is not merely to thank you for the hospitality; rather, the objective is to connect and express solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and our brothers in this country."
Stating that people of Iraq stood alongside Islamic Republic of Iran from the very first moments of the commencement of the aggression against this country, Sheikh al-Ghanimi said: "People of Iraq, across all spectrums and groups—from tribal sheikhs and government employees to university professors, physicians, and various strata of society—stood by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
He added: "From the second day following martyrdom of the martyred Leader, mourning ceremonies were held in mosques and Husseiniyas from southern to northern Iraq, and people also participated in the funeral processions."
Emphasizing that purpose of these actions was to declare solidarity and demonstrate the companionship of the Iraqi nation with Iran, this Iraqi sheikh asserted: "The people of Iraq wanted to show the world that they stand in a single front alongside the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Comparing prevailing conditions to the Battle of the Confederates (Khandaq) and the Battle of Badr, he said: "On one side of this confrontation stood powers of evil and global arrogance, and on the other side stood the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the very first moment, we believed in victory, and the outcome of this battle cannot be measured merely through ordinary calculations and comparisons of the military might of the opposing sides."
Pointing to the victory of Muslims in the Battle of Badr despite their small numbers, Sheikh al-Ghanimi said: "Just as God aided Muslims at Badr, we likewise believed in divine assistance. In our view, this battle was reminiscent of Badr, the Battle of the Confederates, and the steadfastness of Imam Hussein (AS) on the Day of Ashura."