Last week, the State Department announced its desire for Iraq to end its reliance on Iran, with regard to self-sufficiency in energy, expressing its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Baghdad. Both countries will hold a new round of strategic dialogue on Wednesday, in light of the ongoing internal disputes on the presence of US forces in Iraq. Baghdad and Washington had earlier agreed to reduce US troops in Iraq. Some 1,000 soldiers of the 3,500 troops present have been withdrawn between 2020 and 2021. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has affirmed the persistent efforts of President Joe Biden’s administration to develop ties with Iraq.
Source:https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2905056/blinken-confirms-us-ready-develop-ties-iraq
