Iran-Iraq Tension Grows with ‘Diplomat Hostage’ Crisis

Yesterday, the group accused Cihani, whose pictures were shown on an Al Arabia broadcast, of provoking war among the various Iraqi sects. During the broadcast, the group warned Iran not to interfere with Iraq’s internal affairs,

The incident coincides with Iran’s call to Iraq’s Charge D’affairs in Tehran, Halil Selman Al subeyhi, regarding the recent arrests of four Iranian intelligence officers, accused by the Iraqi government of spying and sabotage.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Hamid Riza Asefi, said: "It is necessary for Iraq’s Chargé D’affairs in Tehran to present us proof, if he has any, about the arrest of four Iranians. The Iraqi officials should end the attempts to cause tension between the two neighbor countries."

In his latest statement, Iraqi Defense Minister Hazim Salan had declared Iran "the main enemy", trying to kill the democracy in Iraq.