Iraqi president, U.S. senator discuss ways to defuse regional tensions

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih has discussed with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin the latest regional and international developments and ways to ease regional tensions.

During their meeting at the As Salam palace in Baghdad, the two sides discussed the anti-terror war in Iraq and measures taken to reconstruct cities demolished during the three-year battle against Islamic State, the Iraqi presidency said.

They also touched on issues of mutual concern and efforts exerted by Iraq to reduce tensions in the region, the presidency said.

Tensions have recently escalated between Saudi Arabia and Iran after a drone attack targeted two Saudi oil facilities last month. The strikes shut down half of the kingdom’s crude production.

The U.S. has blamed Iran for the offensive.

In a tweet, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. will work with its allies “to ensure that energy markets remain well supplied and Iran is held accountable for its aggression.”