Pentagon Chief praises Iraq’s fight against Islamic State, warns of Iran’s influence

Washington (IraqiNews.com) – During a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the Pentagon, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended Iraq’s contribution in destroying Islamic State while warning that Iran and its regional allies continue to undermine the country’s sovereignty.

The discussion, al-Zaidi’s first in the Pentagon since becoming prime minister in May, focused on the US-Iraq security relationship, the Global Coalition to Defeat Islamic State, and the projected conclusion to the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq.

Hegseth praised Iraqi security troops for their efforts in the fight against the Islamic State.

“Like the great Americans that I mentioned earlier, Iraqis have shed blood fighting ISIS, inch by inch, fighting to free your country from ISIS’ grip,” Hegseth said to al-Zaidi.

He also said that Iran and its proxy organizations remained a danger to Iraq, attempting to undermine the country’s capacity to pursue prosperity and exercise sovereignty while maintaining Washington’s support for Baghdad.

Hegseth said that the US was willing to remain a partner to Iraq if it chose “strength and security” over succumbing to Iranian influence and that Washington saw Iraq as a sovereign country and long-term security partner.

The Pentagon chief emphasized that the US military is on schedule to complete the Operation Inherent Resolve operation in Iraq by September 30, as agreed by US President Donald Trump and al-Zaidi during their White House meeting.

Al-Zaidi praised the United States for its assistance in the fight against Islamic State, saying he hoped greater commercial relations and additional American investment would strengthen the security alliance when the military mission ended.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, trade in products and services between the United States and Iraq will be worth around $12 billion in 2024.