Growing US-Iran tensions prompted US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to pay a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday in order to talk to the Iraqi government “about the importance of Iraq ensuring that it’s able to adequately protect Americans in their country.” Pompeo also wanted to inform Iraq about what he referred to as “the increased threat stream” coming from Iran.
In the face of mounting US sanctions, Iran has been pursuing stronger ties with neighboring Iraq. Earlier this year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Iraq with a large delegation in order to secure trade and investment deals.
Read more: Mike Pompeo visits Iraq amid rising tensions with Iran
