Rubio Reaffirms U.S. Support for Baghdad’s Efforts to Bring Weapons Under State Control

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reaffirmed Washington’s support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi’s government and its efforts to place all weapons under state authority, stressing the importance of dismantling armed groups and preventing attacks from Iraqi territory.

Rubio said Washington has no doubts about the Iraqi prime minister’s commitment to the issue of state control over weapons, while stressing the need to disarm militias and warning that the continued presence of armed groups outside state institutions could contribute to the fragmentation of Iraq.

Regarding tensions with Iran, Rubio said the United States would continue working to protect maritime routes and keep them open, noting that President Donald Trump has several options available for dealing with developments, including military options.

He added that reaching an agreement with Iran would require sustained efforts and negotiations over a period of time, while noting that the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

Rubio also accused Iran-backed groups in the region of threatening the security and sovereignty of regional states, while referring to Iranian expectations concerning the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections and the Trump administration’s ability to take action against Tehran.