Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi expressed the Islamic Republic's readiness for promotion of security and defense cooperation with the neighboring countries on Sunday.
Talking exclusively to IRNA, Vahidi said Iraq is one of Iran's neighbors interested in creating a joint security system with Iran.
On the US presence in the region, Vahidi said the US forces have no choice but to leave the region.
The US and the West have stressed that their presence in the region is due to the fight against terrorism and killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Vahidi said.
He further said their failure in combating terrorism and their claims over the killing of bin Laden show that they should leave the region.
The Iranain defense minister also said the regional nations do not want any further presence of US forces in the region.
About Iran's military capabilities, the Iranian official said these are just for protecting the national interests and security.