Iraq has dismissed reports of thousands of Iraqi fighters infiltrating Iran to assist security forces in suppressing ongoing protests, describing the claims as "misleading" attempts to distort international and regional public opinion, Sky News Arabia reported on January 16.

Hussein Allawi, adviser to the Iraqi prime minister, rejected allegations that approximately 5,000 fighters from Iraq-based militias loyal to Tehran crossed into Iranian territory through two southern border crossings in recent weeks.

CNN had cited European military sources and Iraqi security officials stating the fighters entered Iran under the guise of religious visits to support Iranian security forces responding to demonstrations across the country.

"The Iraqi government issued a statement regarding the current conflict and developments in Iran, confirming that we will not allow our territory to be used to threaten any neighbouring country," Allawi said.

He described the circulation of such reports as an attempt to "drag Iraq into a dangerous position," adding that "reports of Iraqi fighters infiltrating Iran are misleading and aimed at distorting international and regional public opinion."

Allawi said Iran possesses its own capabilities and does not require support from Iraq, whilst stressing Baghdad remains committed to international treaties to maintain regional security and stability.

"Iraqi security agencies are working to preserve security and stability and protect the people," he said, noting that Iraq is experiencing stability as the country awaits formation of a new government and agreement on a president.

The Iraqi government previously stated it would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for military operations against neighbouring states. Baghdad has maintained a delicate balancing act between its relationships with Iran and Western allies, particularly the United States, which maintains military presence in Iraq.

During the height of the recent protest movement, Turkey's intelligence service warned Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that armed Kurdish separatist groups were attempting to cross from Iraq into Iran in recent days, stretching Iranian security forces already engaged in suppressing nationwide protests, three sources told bne IntelliNews reported on January 14.

The warning came as Kurdish anti-regime groups conducted several attacks against Iranian military sites. The Kurdistan National Guard announced on January 9 it attacked an IRGC base in Nourabad, Lorestan Province, injuring three IRGC members, whilst the Kurdistan Freedom Party claimed responsibility for an attack on IRGC positions in Kermanshah Province on January 12 that killed an unspecified number of personnel.