BAGHDAD, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said on Tuesday that the United States has no right to watch Iran through its bases in Iraq.
Allawi's comments came after controversial remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who disclosed his intention to keep U.S. troops in Iraq to keep an eye on Iran and protect Israel.
"The presence of U.S. troops in Iraq was a result of bilateral agreement, any activity beyond that will be inacceptable," Allawi said in a statement.
He also called on the government and parliament to make a decision regarding the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq.
"If the decision was in favor of keeping coalition forces in Iraq, then an agreement that secures Iraq' sovereignty must be reached," Allawi said.
"If not, the forces must leave or otherwise their presence is considered an intervention," he added.
During an interview with U.S.-based CBS television broadcasted on Sunday, Trump highlighted the importance of having U.S. troops in Iraq "to watch Iran," adding that he has no intention to strike Iran.
U.S. troops are part of a global anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition which has been fighting and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria.
