Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi revealed in an interview with Iraq’s Al-Sharqiya TV that the US recently issued a stern warning to Baghdad regarding the activities of Iran-backed armed militias operating within Iraq.

Al-Abbasi said the warning was delivered about ten days ago during a 12-minute phone call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which he initiated through the American ambassador in Baghdad. Senior Iraqi security officials — including the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, and the Military Intelligence Chief — were also present during the call.

The conversation began with discussions on security and intelligence cooperation, coordination in the fight against drones, the draft of a new security memorandum under negotiation between Washington and Baghdad, and an upcoming delivery of Bell helicopters to Iraq.