Iran Press/ Middle East: In a statement, it said torching of the mission on Tuesday night was a move to harm historical relations between neighboring Iran and Iraq.
Iraqi security and law enforcement forces clamped a curfew on the Najaf Province after protests turned to violent clashes by rioters with the police. Public departments will be closed on Thursday because of terrorist groups' intentions to misuse the protests and disturb public law and order.
Local official sources said the diplomats working at Iran's Consulate General in Najaf are safe and unhurt after rioters burned out sections of the mission because they had left the building before rioters clashed with police.
What happened to Iran's Consulate General is not the official stance of the government, Iraq's Foreign Ministry said.
Iraqi officials have warned of behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine friendly and strategic Iran-Iraq relations, that were crucial in the successful and decisive fight against ISIS terrorists that had taken large swathes of Iraqi territory in 2014-2016.
Some Iraqi cities have witnessed demonstrations in recent weeks in protest to inadequate public services, lack of jobs, particularly for young people, and bureaucratic corruption.
The Foreign Ministry also urged Iraqi people to be vigilant of suspicious elements who want to mar the image of peaceful protestors.
The Iraqi government meanwhile has submitted four packages, and introduced reforms, over the past month trying to meet some of the demands of the demonstrators.
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Iranian diplomats in Najaf are unhurt
Iraq imposes curfew on Najaf over unrest, attack on Iran mission
