US, Iraq discuss energy and Iran’s influence

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani discussed Iran’s regional influence, Iraq’s energy independence, and US business investments during a call on Tuesday, the US State Department said.

According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, both sides emphasized the need for Iraq to reduce reliance on external energy sources, swiftly reopen the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline, and uphold contractual commitments to U.S. companies to attract further investment.

Bruce added that "the two sides also discussed reducing Iran’s malign influence and continuing efforts to prevent ISIS from resurging and destabilizing the broader region."