Iraq's Al-Sudani, Rubio discuss oil attacks and militia reform bill

Iraqi News

2 days ago

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation to address ongoing security challenges, regional developments, and energy cooperation.
Al-Sudani condemned the recent attacks on vital oil infrastructure in northern Iraq, including in Kirkuk, and Salah al-Din, linking them to efforts aimed at disrupting Iraq's economy. He noted the strikes came shortly after new agreements were signed with U.S. energy firms to develop oil fields in those areas.
Iraq's security forces, Al-Sudani said, are coordinating with the international coalition to identify those behind the attacks.
Rubio urged swift action to prevent further incidents and emphasized the protection of U.S.-linked facilities.
Rubio also pressed Baghdad to resume crude exports via the Iraq–Turkey pipeline and ensure consistent salary payments to public employees in Iraq's Kurdistan Region.
The two leaders also discussed the draft law on the Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC). Al-Sudani described it as part of Iraq's broader security restructuring. However, Rubio voiced concern that the bill could legitimize armed groups aligned with Iran, potentially threatening Iraq's sovereignty.
The call reflected both countries' ongoing efforts to manage security risks, stabilize the energy sector, and maintain cooperation amid regional tensions.