Iraqi adviser says Iran helped end Iraq fighting

Tehran: Iran helped end last week's fighting between the military and Shiite fighters, an Iraqi adviser was quoted as saying on Friday.

Mohsen Hakiim told Iran's Mehr News Agency that an Iraqi delegation held talks with Iranian officials during a visit to Iraq last Friday.

Two days later, Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr announced a truce.

"Tehran, by using its positive influence on the Iraqi nation, paved the way for the return of peace to Iraq and the new situation is the result of Iran's efforts," Hakim said.

Hakim's comments underlined Iran's growing influence in Iraq. The United States has accused Iran of providing weapons and training to militia in Iraq.