U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Iraq to strengthen its…
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Iraq to strengthen its sovereignty and disarm pro-Iranian militias responsible for over 600 attacks on U.S. personnel in spring 2026, emphasizing that a secure Iraq is essential for enhanced military and commercial cooperation. He made these remarks after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi at the Pentagon.
Consensus
- Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi in the Pentagon.
- Hegseth stated that Iraq must strengthen its sovereignty and disarm pro-Iranian armed groups to improve cooperation with the United States.
- These pro-Iranian groups are responsible for more than 600 attacks on U.S. personnel during spring 2026.
- The U.S. expects Iraqi security forces, including Peshmerga and other Kurdish security forces, to lead efforts against ISIS after the conclusion of international operations.
- A secure Iraq is necessary for active commercial and defense cooperation with the United States.
- The U.S. is winding down its leading role in the international operation 'Resolute Resolve' against ISIS.
Points of divergence
- The U.S. resumed a blockade of Iranian ports, oil terminals, and coastal areas starting at 23:00 MSK on July 14, with enforcement by force for unauthorized entry or exit. — vedomosti
- President Donald Trump claimed that U.S. air operations damaged Iran's drone production capacity by approximately 92% and missile production by 89%, enabling control over the Strait of Hormuz. — vedomosti
- The volume of oil exports from Iraq through the Strait of Hormuz decreased ninefold in April due to armed conflict in the region. — vesti
Coverage (3 sources)
- Hegset: Iraq must strengthen security to cooperate with the US — Ведомости
- Pentagon Head Calls on Baghdad to Boost Security for US Cooperation — Вести
- Hegset calls for disarming pro-Iranian groups in Iraq — Интерфакс
Key entities
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