US Urges Iraq To Seek Closer Ties With Arab States - Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd Mahdi pressed Baghdad to forge tighter relationships with Arab states in the region, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a press release on Monday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd April, 2019) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd Mahdi pressed Baghdad to forge tighter relationships with Arab states in the region, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a press release on Monday.

"The Secretary underlined his support for Iraq forging closer ties to neighboring Arab states," Ortagus said. "The Secretary reiterated the United States' support for a strong, sovereign, and prosperous Iraq."

US Mission in Iraq Charge d'Affaires Joey Hood in an interview over the weekend said the United States may take diplomatic measures against Baghdad for failing to implement Iran sanctions, Asharq Al-Awsat reported citing al-Dijlah channel.

The US diplomat also said dependence on Tehran weakens Iraqi sovereignty.

The United States has stepped up efforts to fully implement sanctions against Iran. On Monday, the White House said US President Donald Trump has decided not to extend Iran oil sanctions waivers beyond May 2.