ERBIL - Former Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi has urged Iran not to intervene in Iraq’s political affairs.

The Iraqi leader made the comments during an interview with Al-Arabiya TV channel, in which he called on Tehran to take legal actions against those who intervene in the Iraqi politics.

Abadi's call comes while New York Times revealed in a report last week that the Iraqi former premier had secret ties with a number of Iranian intelligence officials during his time in the office.

The US has also warned Iran that it would pay a price if Tehran continues to support the militias in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon.