Rabia Iclal Turan
10 April 2026¢ Last Updated: 10 April 2026
The United States summons Iraqi ambassador after attacks by pro-Iranian militias
The United States has summoned the Iraqi ambassador to condemn a series of attacks carried out by militias aligned with Iran targeting American personnel and diplomatic facilities, the State Department said on Thursday.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau received Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Khirullah to express a “firm condemnation” of what the State Department called “blatant terrorist attacks,” including an ambush against American diplomats in Baghdad on April 8, according to a statement.
While acknowledging the efforts of Iraqi security forces to respond to these incidents, Christopher Landau emphasized that Baghdad had failed to prevent them. He also warned that elements linked to the Iraqi government continued to provide “political, financial, and operational cover” to these militias. Washington also expects Iraqi authorities to take “immediate” action to dismantle pro-Iranian armed groups operating on its territory.
These attacks come amidst a persistent regional escalation since the joint offensive launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran, which reportedly resulted in over 3,000 deaths according to Iranian authorities.
In retaliation, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Iraq, Jordan, and several Gulf countries hosting American military installations. These attacks have caused loss of life, property damage, disrupted global markets, and air traffic.
However, the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday after several weeks of escalating tensions.
*Translated from English by Ben Amed Azize Zougmore
