US envoy warns against Iranian-installed government in Iraq, stresses need for cooperative leadership

The U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, warned on Monday that the United States will not work effectively with an Iraqi government installed by Iran. In a statement published on social media platform X, Barrack asserted, "a government installed by Iran will not be successful, neither for Iraqi or Syrian aspirations for a brighter future, nor for an effective partnership with the United States."

Diplomatic Outreach and Regional Dialogue

Barrack’s remarks followed what he described as a “productive phone call” with Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in northern Iraq. Their discussion focused on the situation in Syria and maintaining the ceasefire between Damascus and the YPG/SDF terrorist organization. Barrack also stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches affected populations in Syria’s Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) district, which remains under YPG/SDF control. Damascus recently extended a ceasefire with the group by 15 days.

U.S. Vision for Iraq’s Government

The envoy reiterated that establishing an Iraqi government that maintains cooperation with its neighbors and the West is essential for regional stability and prosperity. His call with Barzani came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. According to the State Department, both sides discussed Iraq’s ongoing government formation process and reaffirmed a “shared commitment” to enabling Iraq to become “a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the Middle East.”