US urges Iraq to inspect Iran planes

Washington: The United States has urged Iraq to ensure that Iranian planes flying over its territory land and face cargo inspections, amid concerns Tehran is shipping arms to the Syrian regime.

“We expect Iraq as a member of good standing in the international community, as a strategic partner of the United States, to meet its international obligations,” acting State Department deputy spokesman Patrick Ventrell said.

“The easiest way we think is for them to require these aircraft to land and be inspected in Iraqi territory,” he said, adding that Baghdad had full control of its airspace since US troops withdrew in December.