Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani<\/p>\n
Iraq\u2019s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is facing mounting criticism over his government\u2019s failure to prevent Iran-backed militias from launching attacks on American and allied personnel across Iraq.<\/p>\n
The pressure intensified after a missile reportedly struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad early Saturday.<\/p>\n
Following the incident, the embassy warned that all U.S. citizens in Iraq should leave the country \u201cimmediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIran-aligned terrorist militias have attacked the International Zone in central Baghdad on multiple occasions,\u201d the embassy said in a statement.<\/p>\n
A State Department spokesperson condemned the attacks while speaking to Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe United States strongly condemns attacks by Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias against U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities, civilian targets, and energy infrastructure in Iraq, particularly in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on the Iraqi government to take action.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Secretary Rubio has said, the Iraqi government must take all possible measures to safeguard U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities and ensure militia groups cannot use Iraqi territory to threaten the United States or the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing so is in Iraq\u2019s interest,\u201d the spokesperson said, adding:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe retain a range of options to protect our interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not preview sanctions or sanction actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Kurdish official speaking anonymously told Fox News that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella network of militias aligned with Iran, receives funding and weapons from the Iraqi government.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are paid and armed by the Iraqi government,\u201d the official reportedly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are on the Iraqi payroll.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not the first time they have fired on the U.S., the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG], and the energy sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese PMF have brazenly attacked U.S. military bases.\u201d<\/p>\n
The official added that many PMF leaders are connected to al-Sudani\u2019s governing coalition.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of these leaders are part of al-Sudani\u2019s government and his very coalition.\u201d<\/p>\n
An official with the Iraqi Embassy in Washington denied that the prime minister had authorized attacks against Western targets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to unequivocally confirm that the allegations claiming the Prime Minister granted a \u2018green light\u2019 to any armed group to target U.S. or Western interests are completely false,\u201d the official said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Iraqi government has repeatedly emphasized its firm rejection of any attacks on diplomatic missions or foreign interests.\u201d<\/p>\n
The official added that al-Sudani has condemned the violence and ordered authorities to pursue those responsible.<\/p>\n
\nIraq: We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. Iran-aligned terrorist militias have encouraged and conducted indiscriminate attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/2ajBEcxEyJ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 14, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n