Iraq must assert its sovereignty and disarm pro-Iranian groups for the sake of active trade and defense cooperation with the United States, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said.
As part of an official visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali az-Zeidi visited the Pentagon on Tuesday, July 14, according to Hegseth's statement.
"To deepen our partnership, Iraq must assert its sovereignty and disarm Iran-linked militias responsible for more than 600 attacks on US personnel this spring," the US Secretary of War wrote on the social network.
According to the head of the Pentagon, the United States also expects Iraq to lead the fight against the IS terrorist group❶, as the international operation "Unwavering Determination", led by the Americans, is coming to an end.
"A secure Iraq opens the way to active trade and defense cooperation," Hegseth stressed.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi also met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to discuss security and economic cooperation issues.
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