In a decisive move reflecting heightened regional tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday condemned ongoing attacks by Iran and its affiliated militias against the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
During a high-level phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Rubio underscored Washington’s mounting concern over the security of the region and the safety of American personnel.
According to State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio “strongly condemned terrorist attacks by Iran and terrorist militia groups in Iraq, including those targeting the Kurdistan Region.”
This statement follows a series of Iranian strikes on Kurdish-Iranian groups in northern Iraq and a surge in militia activity following recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets.
Call for Sovereign Responsibility
A central theme of the discussion was the Iraqi government’s obligation to uphold diplomatic immunity and international law. Rubio “reiterated the importance of the Iraqi government taking all possible measures to safeguard U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities,” Pigott noted.
The warning comes as Baghdad’s “Green Zone,” home to the U.S. Embassy, has faced repeated attempts by demonstrators to breach its defenses. Reports indicate that recent protests in the capital have escalated into violence, with live rounds fired at security forces guarding the diplomatic enclave.
Geopolitical and Internal Pressures
The security situation in the Kurdistan Region remains a focal point for the U.S. administration. Secretary Rubio’s remarks highlight a strategic commitment to the stability of the Kurdistan Region as a vital partner in an increasingly volatile Middle East.
As the situation evolves, the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation (KDC) continues to monitor developments closely and advocates for a secure, and stable Kurdistan Region that remains protected from external aggression and militia interference.