U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about the need to disarm Iran-backed militias. Rubio and al-Sudani also discussed efforts to complete U.S. commercial projects in Iraq, according to a statement by Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department Tommy Pigg.

“The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on the resumption of oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which will benefit Iraq, Turkey, and American businesses. The Secretary emphasized the urgent need to disarm Iran-backed militias, which undermine Iraq’s sovereignty, threaten the lives of Americans and Iraqis as well as businesses, and exploit Iraq’s resources for Iran. The Secretary reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to close cooperation with Iraqi partners to advance our shared interests: protecting Iraq’s sovereignty, strengthening regional stability, and enhancing our economic ties,” the statement said.