Rubio to Iraqi PM: 'Pay Kurdistan Region Salaries Consistently, Resume Oil Exports'

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a direct and multifaceted message to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday, demanding that Baghdad hold perpetrators of recent attacks on energy infrastructure accountable, ensure consistent salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, and warned against a pending bill that Washington believes would institutionalize Iranian-backed armed groups.

According to a readout of the call released by the Office of the Spokesperson and attributed to Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio stressed the importance of the Iraqi government preventing future attacks, particularly on facilities operated by U.S. companies.

The high-level call comes amid a significant escalation in drone and rocket attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector. Since early July, at least 19 attacks have struck the region, with nine specifically hitting oil fields and infrastructure operated by international partners. The repeated assaults have drawn strong condemnation from U.S. officials, with some former officials and lawmakers warning of severe consequences, including sanctions, if Baghdad fails to act. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has previously criticized the federal government for what it describes as an "evasion of responsibility" in stopping the strikes.

In the discussion, Secretary Rubio also addressed key long-standing issues between Erbil and Baghdad. The readout stated that he “noted the importance of paying Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) salaries consistently and resuming oil exports via the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline.” These issues are central to the economic stability of the Kurdistan Region and have been a major point of friction in negotiations with the federal government.

Furthermore, the Secretary conveyed Washington’s deep misgivings about proposed legislation concerning the Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC). The readout states that Rubio “reiterated serious U.S. concerns with the Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC) bill currently pending in the Council of Representatives (COR).”

He emphasized that, in the U.S. view, “any such legislation would institutionalize Iranian influence and armed terrorist groups undermining Iraq’s sovereignty.” This warning directly addresses the groups widely blamed for the attacks on the Kurdistan Region and U.S. interests, which Washington and its allies view as a threat to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq itself.

Spoke with Iraqi PM Sudani about the recent attacks against oil companies in Iraq, including U.S. companies. We support a prosperous Iraq, free of Iran’s pernicious influence.

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 23, 2025

State Department Decries 'Threat to Iraq's Stability'

The call follows strong prior condemnation from Washington. The United States last Thursday strongly condemned the recent wave of drone attacks that have targeted oil fields in the Kurdistan Region since July 14, describing them as a direct threat to Iraq's stability and economic future.

In a press briefing, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce, in response to a Kurdistan24 correspondent, said the attacks are jeopardizing critical infrastructure and international investment in Iraq.

“These attacks threaten Iraq’s stability and economic future,” Bruce stated. “The government of Iraq has a duty to protect its territory and all its citizens.”

She noted that drone strikes have specifically targeted oil production sites operated by international companies collaborating with Iraq to develop its energy sector. Bruce emphasized that such assaults undermine efforts to attract foreign investment and rebuild the country’s economy.

“The United States remains committed to our partners across Iraq who are working to build a stable, federal, and sovereign country,” she affirmed.