U.S. raises concerns with Iraq about reported arms deal with Iran

The United States has raised concerns about the reported arms deal between Iraq and Iran "at the highest levels" with the Iraqi government, the White House said Tuesday.

The U.S. reiterated that "any transfer or sale of arms from Iran is in direct violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions," White House spokesman Jay Carney told a press briefing.

Carney added that the government of Iraq assured the U.S. that it would look into the matter.

"Today, we have seen the press release issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense denying that any contracts for military equipment were signed with Iran," Carney said. "We will follow up with the government of Iraq on that matter."

Iran, too, has refuted the report of an arms deal with Iraq, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.

"No agreement on military and arms cooperation has been inked with the Iraqi side so far," said Hassan Danaeifar, Iranian ambassador to Iraq, who added that Iran will be ready to consider such a request if it is filed by Iraq.