BAGHDAD - Iraqi lawmakers today began debate over a pact with the United States that will allow U.S. forces to remain for three more years, while an Iranian official close to that country’s leadership praised the Iraqi Cabinet for approving the deal.

The comments from Iran’s judiciary chief marked the first time that the deal has met with clear-cut approval in neighboring Iran. Meanwhile, Syria, target of a deadly cross-border raid by U.S. forces in recent weeks, criticized the deal as virtual surrender to America.