Shafaq News-Washington
Curbing Iranianinfluence, halting attacks launched from Iraqi soil by “Iran-backed militias,”and demonstrating measurable results on militia disarmament are the coredemands Washington will put to Baghdad, a senior official in the USAdministration told Shafaq News on Monday.
Speaking onbackground, the official said the files will be raised when President DonaldTrump receives Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House on Tuesdayat 11:00 a.m. (6:00 p.m. Baghdad Time)
: What Iraq's PM Al-Zaidi will raise in Washington talks
The officialsaid the United States supports Iraqi efforts to realize the country's fullpotential as a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the MiddleEast. “A government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s owninterests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutuallybeneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq.”
On sovereignty,the official pointed out that Washington has been explicit with Baghdad thatIraq must retain independent decision-making and prevent attacks originatingfrom within its borders by “Iranian-backed militias.” “We will make informeddecisions based on actions and measurable results.”
Washington isfollowing internal Iraqi discussions on disarming some militias, according tothe official, who said decisions would be based on conduct rather thancommitments.
Theadministration's position ties future cooperation to implementation. Theofficial said Trump wishes Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi success as he works toform “a new government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter futurefor Iraq,” and that the administration is looking toward a highly productivenew relationship between Iraq and the United States.
: Asaib ahl al-Haq: Iraqi premiers' Washington visits yielded nothing
For Shafaq News, Mostafa Hashem, Washington, D.C.
