US Secretary of State Rubio Discusses Iraq-Iran Tensions with Iraqi PM

Marco Rubio’s call with PM Shia al-Sudani comes as Iraq is expected to see a new government amid US-Iran tensions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about the transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq, urging Baghdad to maintain autonomy from Iran amid US-Iran tensions. Rubio commended Iraq’s leadership in the transfer and emphasized that a government influenced by Iran would undermine Iraq’s stability and interests. This conversation coincided with expectations of Nouri al-Maliki’s return as prime minister, highlighting concerns over Iranian influence in the region. The US seeks to dismantle Iranian-backed armed groups in Iraq while reinforcing military assets in the Middle East amid rising tensions.