Halilzad says PM Sudani has strong US backing, clear vision for Iraq

WASHINGTON, United States — Former US Ambassador Zalmay Mamozai Halilzad said in Washington that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Sudani holds a clear vision for Iraq's future and enjoys strong US support. Halilzad added that the vision can only succeed in a stable security environment, with weapons consolidated under state control and armed groups outside the government dismantled. Halilzad said US-Iraqi relations are focused on strengthening economic and investment cooperation, noting that capital does not flow to countries with security problems and that security and development are mutually reinforcing. He described the late-September timeline for the withdrawal of US forces as an official target, while calling for a flexible cooperation model in the period ahead. Turning to Iran's influence in Iraq, Halilzad said some Iraqi militias are tied to Tehran and that those groups' allegiance to a foreign country is unacceptable and must end within a framework of respect for sovereignty. He said Sudani is handling the file with resolve.