Deputy Secretary Landau Summons Iraqi Ambassador

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau summoned Iraq’s Ambassador Nizar Khirullah for an urgent meeting in Washington, strongly condemning a series of recent attacks targeting U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq. The meeting comes amid rising tensions following what U.S. officials described as serious and repeated threats linked to Iran-aligned militia groups operating from Iraqi territory.

During the meeting, the U.S. expressed deep concern over what it called “egregious terrorist attacks,” including an April 8 ambush targeting American diplomats in Baghdad. According to officials, these incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence in recent weeks, involving hundreds of attacks against U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions, and commercial interests. The violence has also affected Iraq’s neighboring countries and impacted Iraqi institutions and civilians, including in the Kurdistan region.

Deputy Secretary Landau acknowledged the efforts of Iraqi Security Forces in responding to some of these attacks but raised serious concerns about the Iraqi government’s inability to prevent them. He pointed out that certain elements linked to the Iraqi system continue to provide political, financial, and operational support to these militia groups, which has negatively affected the overall U.S.-Iraq relationship.

The U.S. official made it clear that Washington will not tolerate continued attacks on its personnel or interests. He urged the Iraqi government to take immediate and decisive steps to dismantle Iran-aligned militias operating within its borders. The message highlighted the expectation that Iraq must act firmly to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and restore stability.

This development reflects growing strain in U.S.-Iraq relations, as security concerns and militia activity continue to challenge diplomatic and regional stability. The United States has reiterated its commitment to protecting its people and maintaining security in the region while calling for stronger cooperation from Iraqi authorities.