Report: After U.S. exits Syria, Iran removes military advisors from Iraq

"The US is reinforcing its bases and establishing new footholds."

Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Erg Masjedi, speaks during a news conference in Basra, Iraq September 11, 2018. (photo credit: REUTERS/ESSAM AL-SUDANI)
Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Erg Masjedi, speaks during a news conference in Basra, Iraq September 11, 2018.
(photo credit: REUTERS/ESSAM AL-SUDANI)
Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Erg Masjedi, claimed Friday that Iran has withdrawn all of its military advisors from Iraq, after the declaration of victory over ISIS, according to a report in Iran's Press TV.
Masjedi, a former IRGC Quds force commander, castigated the US for keeping its forces in Iraq and "reinforcing its bases and establishing new footholds" there, according to the report.
The Iranian ambassador made his remarks during a meeting with Iraqi students and journalists in Baghdad.
The Iranian statement followed soon after US President Donald Trump made a surprise trip to Iraq to visit US troops the day after Christmas.