Iran offers to help Iraq in fight against al-Qaida

A senior Iranian military official says Iran is ready to help Iraq battle al-Qaida "terrorists" in the neighboring country's Sunni-dominated western Anbar province.

Iraqi troops have been trying to dislodge fighters from the al-Qaida group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant from two key cities the militants overran last week.

Gen Mohammad Hejazi, deputy chief-of-staff of Iran's army, is quoted by Iranian media today as saying the Islamic Republic can offer "military equipment and advisers" should Baghdad ask for it.

Hejazi says: "Iraq is our friend."

He ruled out sending troops to Iraq.