US summons Iraqi ambassador over attacks by Iran-linked groups

The United States has summoned Iraq’s ambassador, Nizar Khirallah, to express strong condemnation over what it described as “egregious terrorist attacks” carried out by Iran-linked armed groups operating from Iraqi territory against US diplomatic personnel and facilities, including an attack on American diplomats in Baghdad on April 8, the US Department of State has reported.

According to the statement, hundreds of attacks have taken place in recent weeks targeting US citizens, diplomatic and commercial facilities, as well as neighbouring countries, Iraqi institutions, and civilians, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.

While acknowledging the efforts of Iraqi security forces in responding to these incidents, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stressed that the Iraqi government’s failure to prevent the attacks — amid allegations that elements within the government provide political, financial, and operational cover for militant groups — is undermining US–Iraq relations.

The Deputy Secretary of State further emphasised that the United States will not tolerate attacks on its interests and expects the Iraqi government to take immediate action to dismantle Iran-linked armed groups operating in Iraq.