Iraqi Embassy in Washington (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Iraqi Embassy in Washington defends bilateral deal with Iran amid US scrutiny
The US State Department has raised objections to a proposed Iraqi law and a recently signed security agreement between Baghdad and Tehran, warning that such moves could erode Iraq’s independence and expand Iranian influence.
During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce criticized the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bill under consideration in the Iraqi parliament, describing it as legislation “inconsistent with the goals of our bilateral security assistance and partnership” and contrary to efforts to strengthen Iraq’s existing security institutions.
“We support genuine Iraqi sovereignty, not legislation that would turn Iraq into an Iranian satellite state,” Bruce said. “The future of nations should be in the hands of the people of those nations… this particular dynamic runs counter to what our commitment has been regarding security in general.”
Bruce’s remarks came a day after senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani visited Baghdad to sign a security agreement with Iraq, an arrangement the US sees as potentially deepening Tehran’s role in Iraqi affairs.
In a statement posted on X following the briefing, the Iraqi Embassy in Washington rejected the implication that Baghdad’s decisions were influenced by external actors.
Clarification Statement
— سفارة العراق – واشنطن| Iraqi Embassy in Washington (@IraqinUSA) August 12, 2025
In response to remarks made by the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State during her recent press briefing, the @IraqinUSA affirms that Iraq is a fully sovereign state, pic.twitter.com/xrB9B2mgNv
“Iraq is a fully sovereign state, with the inherent right to conclude agreements and memoranda of understanding in accordance with its Constitution, national laws, and supreme interests,” the embassy said.
The statement emphasized that Iraq maintains friendly relations with a wide range of nations, including its neighbors and the United States, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
“Iraq is not subordinate to the policy of any other state… its decisions are guided solely by its independent national will,” the embassy declared.
Defending the deal with Tehran, Baghdad said the pact fell within the framework of bilateral cooperation aimed at securing the shared border and enhancing stability in both countries, while contributing to broader regional security.
