WASHINGTON
By Kasim Ileri
The United States will not coordinate military action nor share intelligence with Iran in its fight against Islamic State militants, according to the U.S. State Department.
Spokesperson Marie Harf said as the U.S. tries to pull together dozens of countries to build a coalition to fight against the terror group, it is open to engaging Iran as well.
"We've been clear that ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) represents a threat, not only to the U.S., but also to the entire region, including Iran, and believe all countries, regardless of our differences, should work towards the goal of degrading and ultimately defeating ISIL," she said, using an alternative abbreviation for the militant group.
While encouraging Iran to work towards the goal of defeating the violent insurgent group, Harf clarified that engaging Iran in the coalition will not include the use of the military and intelligence.
"How we have the conversation with each country will depend on their capabilities, what relationship they have in Iraq or other places that we're trying to fight ISIL in."
The idea of building a coalition to remove IS militants from Iraq and Syria has been discussed extensively at this week's NATO summit in Newport, Wales.
www.aa.com.tr/en/sports
