In an interview in the Post, Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari noted that Iraq's (Sunni) Arab neighbors "always complain that there is extended Iranian influence" in Iraq. He added:

"Our argument with them is that you have to blame yourselves. They [the Iranians] are there and you're not there. A majority of the Iraqi people want to see you standing with them, beside them."

Asked about U.S. charges that Iran supplies weapons and training for Shia rebels, Zebari said that Iraq has asked Iranian leaders about that:

"There hasn't been any public statement, but in discussions, in face-to-face bilaterals with the Iranians, yes, we do raise it . . . very seriously. They don't deny it, to be honest with you."

Instead the Iranians say: "There could be violations, here and there."