Rubio warns against Iran-controlled government in Iraq

BAGHDAD — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that a government controlled by Iran would not be able to put Iraq’s interests first, as the two leaders discussed government formation and security cooperation in a phone call Saturday.

According to a readout issued by U.S. State Department, Rubio and al-Sudani discussed Iraq’s “ongoing deliberations to form a government,” with both sides emphasizing “their shared commitment to ensuring that Iraq can fully realize its potential as a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the Middle East.”

“The Secretary emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq,” the statement said.

Parliament is set to elect a president on Tuesday, a key constitutional step that will allow the next phase of government formation to proceed. Once elected, the president must task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a cabinet. Political negotiations have intensified alongside the process, including the Shiite Coordination Framework’s recent decision to nominate State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the post of prime minister.

Full statement:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani.

The Secretary commended the Government of Iraq’s initiative and leadership in expediting the transfer and detention of ISIS terrorists to secure facilities in Iraq, following recent instability in northeast Syria.  The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure countries rapidly repatriate their citizens in Iraq, bringing them to justice.  The Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed Iraq’s ongoing deliberations to form a government, emphasizing their shared commitment to ensuring that Iraq can fully realize its potential as a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the Middle East.  The Secretary emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq.