BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Foreign Ministry rejected on Saturday what it called “US interference” in its affairs after the American embassy issued a statement telling neighboring Iran to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and allow demobilization of Shiite militias.
The embassy in Baghdad posted a message on Twitter on Tuesday saying Tehran must “respect the sovereignty of the Iraqi government and permit the disarming, demobilization, and reintegration” of Shiite militias.
It was one of several statements issued on the embassy’s Twitter account outlining US demands before new sanctions on Iran’s oil and financial sector take effect on Nov. 4.
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement it “rejects interference in Iraq’s internal affairs, especially domestic security reform” and demanded the Twitter post be removed.
Iraq’s Shiite militias, which took part in a US-backed campaign to defeat Daesh, were formally included in the security forces this year. Some militias are backed by Iran and Washington wants them disarmed.
The US has said it would grant Baghdad a waiver on Iranian gas and energy imports that feed Iraqi power stations and vital food items, Iraqi officials said on Friday.
Iraq rejects US interference in domestic affairs
Iraq rejects US interference in domestic affairs
