"US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked: Secretary of Defense Austin Discusses Response with Iraqi Prime Minister"

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, discussing the need for Iraq to protect diplomatic personnel and Coalition advisors. Austin condemned recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, emphasizing the right to self-defense. He attributed responsibility for most attacks to Iranian-backed militant groups and warned of decisive responses. Austin highlighted that these attacks undermine Iraq's sovereignty, endanger civilians, and hinder the fight against ISIS. They also discussed the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission, but Austin stressed the importance of ending attacks against U.S. forces.