U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to strengthen state authority and place weapons under the control of official institutions.
Rubio said the United States has no doubts about Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s commitment to the process, stressing the need to end the presence of armed factions operating outside state control and warning that their continued existence could threaten Iraq’s unity and stability.
Regarding tensions with Iran, Rubio said the Trump administration would continue working to protect maritime routes and keep them open, noting that the U.S. president has several options, including military action.
He added that reaching an agreement with Iran would require sustained negotiations and efforts, while noting that part of the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
