Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Iraq's President Barham Saleh in Baghdad, Iraq, during a Middle East tour in January. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / Reuters file
NBC: Iraqi President Barham Salih says U.S. has no right to 'watch Iran' from his country
Iraq has found itself in a tricky position between two of its key allies as relations deteriorate between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. troops do not have the right to use Iraq to “watch Iran,” Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Monday after Donald Trump indicated American forces were there to do just that.
“We are surprised by the statements made by the U.S. president on the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq,” Salih said at a forum in Baghdad. “Trump did not ask us to keep U.S. troops to watch Iran.”
In an interview that aired Sunday, Trump said it was important to keep a military presence in Iraq so Washington could keep an eye on neighboring Iran.
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WNU Editor: I knew when I heard this last night that there was going to be a problem the next day .... Trump wants U.S. military in Iraq to 'watch Iran': CBS interview (Reuters). Everyone knows that the U.S. is watching Iran, but it is all about optics. The blow-back from Iraqi politicians aligned with Iran is starting .... Trump comments spark Iraqi demands for US exit (AFP). More here .... Iraq to Adopt Bill Ending US, Foreign Adviser Presence in Country - Statement (Sputnik).
More News On Iraqi President Barham Salih Remarks That The U.S. Has No Right To 'Watch Iran' From His Country
Iraqi president says Trump did not ask permission to 'watch Iran' -- Reuters
Iraq angered by Trump idea to watch Iran from US base -- BBC
Iraq president says Trump did not ask permission to leave troops to 'watch Iran' -- The Hill
Iraqi president rejects Trump’s plan to ‘watch Iran’ from military bases in Iraq -- The Washington Post
US troops do not have permission to 'watch Iran', says Baghdad -- The Guardian
