Iraq's recent successive victories over the Islamic State terrorists have surprised the world, chairman of Iran's Expediency Council Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi has said, according to IRNA.

Shahroudi made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

He expressed congratulations over the liberation of Mosul and Tal Afar from the Takfiri terrorist group Daesh, Iraqi media Alsumaria News reported.

Successive victories in Iraq have taken the opportunity from Iraq enemies, he added.

During the meeting Shahroudi underscored Iran's support for the Iraqi government in uprooting terrorism, recapturing occupied areas from Daesh and in realizing the aspiration of people in achieving unity, stability and in reconstructing and developing Iraq.

Meanwhile, al-Abadi pointed to Iraqi people's unity as a secret to the country's victory in all fronts.

He also appreciated Iran's support for Iraq in the latter's fight against terrorism.

Shahroudi arrived in Baghdad on August 31 heading a delegation.

On June 29, Iraqi forces captured the wrecked historic mosque of Mosul in which Daesh terrorist group proclaimed its self-styled 'caliphate' three years ago.

Taking the Grand al-Nuri Mosque gives a symbolic victory to the Iraqi forces who have been battling for more than eight months to recapture Mosul, the northern city that served as Daesh's de-facto capital in Iraq.