U.S. Summons Iraqi Ambassador Over Surge in Iran-Aligned Militia Attacks
The United States Department of State on Friday summoned Iraq’s ambassador to Washington, issuing a sharp rebuke over a recent surge in attacks carried out by Iran-aligned militia groups operating from Iraqi territory, including an ambush targeting American diplomats in Baghdad.
According to an official statement, Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, met with Nizar Khirullah, Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, to convey Washington’s “strong condemnation” of the attacks. U.S. officials said the assaults have targeted American diplomatic personnel, facilities, citizens, and commercial interests across Iraq.
The State Department highlighted an April 8 ambush of U.S. diplomats in Baghdad as one of the most recent incidents in what officials described as hundreds of attacks in recent weeks linked to militias aligned with Iran.
The statement also noted that militia operations have affected not only American interests but also neighboring countries, Iraqi institutions, civilians, and areas in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
While acknowledging the response efforts of Iraqi security forces, Landau stressed that the government in Iraq has failed to adequately prevent the attacks. The U.S. statement further alleged that some political elements connected to the Iraqi government continue to provide political, financial, and operational support to the militias.
“The United States will not tolerate attacks on U.S. interests,” Landau said, urging Baghdad to “immediately take all measures to dismantle the Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq.”
The unusually direct diplomatic summons reflects growing frustration in Washington over the security situation in Iraq and the continued activity of militia groups. U.S. officials warned that the presence of these groups and perceived tolerance by some authorities could damage relations between Washington and Baghdad.
The State Department did not specify potential consequences if Iraq fails to act but emphasized that the ongoing attacks are unacceptable to the United States.
