U.S. secretary of state meets Iraqi leaders in unannounced visit to Baghdad

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday made an unannounced visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad, during which he discussed with Iraqi leaders the latest regional developments amid the rising tension with Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) walks with Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department David Satterfield (L), and Charge D'affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad Joey Hood upon arrival in Baghdad for meetings on May 7, 2019. [Photo: AFP]

Speaking after the meetings, Pompeo told reporters that he made the surprise visit to Iraq because Iran "is escalating their activity" in the region following the U.S. move to ban Iranian oil exports.

He added that Iraqi leaders promised to protect U.S. interests as they understood that this was their responsibility.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim said in a tweet that he participated in two separate important meetings that Pompeo held with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and Iraqi President Barham Salih.

In the two meetings, "we have discussed bilateral relations and the latest security developments in region, as well as counter-terrorism efforts," al-Hakim said, without giving further details.

Pompeo arrived in Baghdad after he abruptly cancelled his visit to Germany on Tuesday.

His visit came amid the tense situation in the region after U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to reissue the sanctions waivers for major importers to continue buying Iran's oil when they expired in early May, in a bid to pile up pressure on Iran.

The United States has also increased its military activities in the region recently, citing a threat of Iranian "attack."