US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused Iran on Thursday of "mucking around" to sway the outcome of Iraq’s May parliamentary election, in which Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is seeking another term.
"We have worrisome evidence that Iran is trying to influence - using money - the Iraqi elections. That money is being used to sway candidates, to sway votes," Mattis told reporters as he flew back to Washington after a trip to the Middle East and Afghanistan.
"It's not an insignificant amount of money, we believe. And we think it's highly unhelpful."
But Mattis stopped short of detailing whom Iran sought to influence.
"One thing that came through loud and clear is the suspicion of Iran and the evidence of Iranian destabilizing efforts," Mattis said.
"It was just brought home to me again that they are not changing their behavior, they are continuing to be a destabilizing influence," he added.
Mattis also called on Iran to leave the Iraqis to determine their own future.
