Iran stands ready to help Iraq’s government in its fight against Sunni Muslim insurgents within the framework of international law, although Baghdad has so far not requested assistance, President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday.

In a press conference broadcast live on state television, Rouhani also said Iran believed it was possible to conclude a comprehensive agreement ending its nuclear dispute with major powers by a July 20 deadline. Remaining differences could be settled through goodwill and flexibility, he said.

Shi’ite Muslim Iran, which has strong leverage in Shi’ite-majority Iraq, is so alarmed by the Sunni jihadist advance from Iraq’s north that it may be ready to cooperate with longtime arch-enemy Washington in helping Baghdad fight back.

A senior Iranian official said the idea is being discussed within the Tehran leadership. For now, Iran will send its neighbour advisers and weaponry, although probably not troops, to boost Baghdad.

In the nuclear talks the main stumbling block has been the permissible scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment. The lack of progress in bridging gaps has left the parties’ deadline for a long-term settlement looking unrealistic.