US confirms Iran troops are in Iraq
Gulf Today - 24 May, 2015
http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?id=752177&news_type=Top&lang=en

Iran has entered the fight to retake a major Iraqi oil refinery from Daesh
militants, contributing small numbers of troops - including some operating
artillery and other heavy weapons - in support of advancing Iraqi ground
forces, US defence officials said.

Two US defence officials said Iranian forces have taken a significant
offensive role in the Beiji operation in recent days, in conjunction with
Iraqi militia. The officials were not authorised to discuss the matter
publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

One official said Iranians are operating artillery, 122mm rocket systems and
surveillance and reconnaissance drones to help the Iraqi counteroffensive.

The Iranian role was not mentioned in a new US military statement asserting
that Iraqi security forces, with US help, had managed to establish a land
route into the Beiji refinery compound. The statement on Friday by the US
military headquarters in Kuwait said Iraqis have begun reinforcing and
resupplying forces isolated inside the refinery compound.

Iran’s role in Iraq is a major complicating factor for the Obama
administration as it searches for the most effective approach to countering
the Daesh group. US officials have said they do not oppose contributions
from Iran-supported Iraqi militias as long as they operate under the command
and control of the Iraqi government.

Friday’s US military statement quoted Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley as saying
that over the past three days Iraqi security forces and federal police have
made “steady, measured progress” in regaining some areas leading to the
Beiji refinery compound, in the face of suicide vehicle-borne bombs and
rocket attacks.