Mike Pompeo warns Iran of 'decisive response' if US interests are harmed in Iraq

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday warned Iran of a decisive response if United States interests are harmed in Iraq. US has expressed mounting concern about the flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops. Two rocket attacks this week targeted a compound near Baghdad International Airport, which houses US troops.

Pompeo said Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region. Pompeo pinned the blame for the latest attacks directly on Iran's proxies.

Trump administration, which



is close to Iran's adversaries Saudi Arabia and Israel, has been trying to counter Tehran's influence around the region, including through sanctions aimed at blocking all its oil exports.

The US last week imposed sanctions on three leaders of the Shiite paramilitary force Hashed al-Shaabi, accusing them of taking part in the deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, a close ally of Iran who also enjoyed cordial relations with the United States, resigned after the two months of demonstrations in which around 460 people have died.