Rubio, al-Sudani discuss ISIS detainee transfers, Iraq–Iran relations
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed late Sunday the transfer of Islamic State (ISIS) members from Syria to Iraq with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani during a phone call.
The U.S. State Department stated that Rubio and al-Sudani addressed the transfer and detention of ISIS members in Iraqi facilities, as well as Iraq’s relations with Iran.
“The Secretary emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Iraqi prime minister said the transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq is a temporary measure aimed at protecting Iraq’s national security and maintaining regional stability.
In its statement, the U.S. State Department added that Rubio and al-Sudani also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts “to ensure countries rapidly repatriate their citizens in Iraq, bringing them to justice.”