Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi following recent Iranian attacks in the region. The Secretary shared our assessment that Iran was responsible for attacking two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to upholding freedom of navigation.

The Secretary emphasized our shared desire for a strong, free, and sovereign Iraq. The Secretary appreciated Prime Minister al-Mahdi’s commitment to protect U.S. personnel in Iraq supporting the Iraqi people and continuing the defeat ISIS campaign, and his continued efforts to counter threats to Iraq’s sovereignty from Iran-backed militias. The United States will continue to help Iraq build out its security forces.