Iran to combat terrorism in Iraq

Predominantly Shiite Muslim Iran will combat terrorism by Sunni extremists in neighbouring Iraq, President Hassan Rouhani warned Thursday. Rouhani did not say exactly what Iran intended to do to help stop an offensive by fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that is pushing toward Baghdad after seizing several cities and towns to the north. "This is an extremist, terrorist group that is acting savagely," Rouhani said live on state television, adding that Tehran will not "tolerate this violence and terror." "For our part, as the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran... we will combat violence, extremism and terrorism in the region and the world," said an agitated Rouhani. Rouhani said he would head to a meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council following his speech, according to AFP.