TEHRAN: Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop discussed the conflict in Iraq with her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday.

Australia is part of an international coalition in Iraq and has 500 troops deployed there.

Iran, though not part of the coalition, has run a parallel campaign using militias and military advisers to reverse the IS surge that came close to felling the Baghdad government last June.

“We are witnessing a more complex and dangerous form of terrorism with Daesh,” Bishop said at a joint press conference, using an Arabic acronym to refer to the militant group.

“Both countries can contribute in the fight against this terrorist organization and put an end to the misery of the people in Iraq,” she said, referring to Iran and Australia’s efforts.

Iraq needs “a strong and stable government” added Bishop, who along with Zarif said Australia and Iran were in Iraq at the request of the Baghdad government in fighting IS.