Iraq, Iran reach security deal

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi delegation that traveled to Iran to confront it with allegations of involvement in Iraqi violence said Saturday it had secured an agreement to “stabilize security” and improve cooperation.

The statements, made upon the delegation’s return Saturday night, were in stark contrast to the harsh words Iraqi officials had last week for Iran. They included allegations that Iranian-made weapons with manufacture dates of 2008 had been found in the southern city of Basra in the wake of recent clashes between Shiite militiamen and Iraqi and U.S. security forces.

Sheik Khalid Attiya, the deputy speaker of Iraq’s parliament, said the five-member delegation “sensed a positive stance” from Iranian officials. “The two sides have agreed to keep up efforts to stabilize security,” he said.

– Los Angeles Times