Iraq has sent a delegation to Iran to ask Iranian authorities to continue supporting the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Sami al-Askari, a senior member of Iraqi parliament said on Thursday that the delegation left for Tehran on Wednesday.

He said that they will ask Iranian authorities to continue backing Iraqi government to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country.

Some officials emphasized that the delegation was sent by al-Maliki's decision alone.

The delegation represents the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) which includes the main Shi'ite parties supporting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Jalal al-Din al-Sagheer, another Iraqi member of parliament and also a senior Iraqi lawmaker, Reda Jawad Taqi also confirmed the delegation have left for Tehran but did not provide more details.

The security condition has recently deteriorated in most parts of Iraq as the US occupation forces have escalated their military operations throughout the country and launched various attacks under the alleged anti US activities by al-Sadr bloc.

DTJ/RA