The United States suspends security cooperation and funding with Iraq, pressuring Baghdad to distance itself from Iran

Golden Finance reports that on April 22, Iraq maintains close relations with both Iran and the United States, often finding itself caught between the two. Now, as the two partner countries are embroiled in war, the Baghdad government is facing increasing pressure from the U.S. side. Washington has demanded that Iraq distance itself from Iran and restrict Iraqi militia groups linked to Iran, which have recently been behind attacks targeting U.S. interests in Iraq. Two Iraqi officials revealed on Monday that, to force Iraq to make a choice, the U.S. has suspended cooperation and funding with Iraqi security agencies. The U.S. State Department declined to comment specifically on this move but stated that Washington has asked the Iraqi government to crack down on Iran-backed militia groups, including some connected to Baghdad officials. Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement, “The United States will not tolerate attacks on American interests and expects the Iraqi government to take immediate action to disband militia groups allied with Iran within Iraq.” (The New York Times)