Baghdad — Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi on Monday defended his stance on US sanctions against Iran in the face of harsh criticism from Tehran and its allies in Baghdad.

“Some people want to put pressure on us to place the interests of gangs ahead of those of the Iraqi people,” he told a news conference.

“This is not possible.”

Abadi has canceled a visit to Iran, his press office said Sunday, after announcing last week that Iraq would comply with renewed US sanctions against Tehran.

His position has drawn fire from several groups close to Tehran, especially the Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and Badr paramilitary movements.

On Sunday, Iranian leader Ali Khamenei’s representative in Baghdad also lashed out at Abadi.

Moujtaba Al-Hussein said, “We are saddened by this position which shows he has been defeated psychologically in the face of the Americans.”

Abadi stood firm on Monday, although Baghdad is in the midst of political jockeying to form a new government after the results of May’s parliamentary elections were finalized last week following a recount.

“Our economic situation is also difficult and we sympathize with Iran,” said Abadi. — AFP