COORDINATION FRAMEWORK MOVES TO RESPOND TO RUBIO’S WARNING MESSAGES
The Coordination Framework in Iraq is preparing to hold an emergency meeting within the next two days to discuss the details of the phone call that took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The meeting comes amid escalating tensions after informed sources reported that the US Secretary of State had sent warning messages that could carry direct threats. The leaders of the framework believe that these messages may reflect Washington’s intention to increase pressure on Baghdad, especially with regard to relations with Iran.
The move appears to reflect growing concern within Iraqi political circles about the implications of the new US policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, which focuses on a “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran. The meeting appears to be an attempt to formulate a unified position that protects Iraq from any potential sanctions that may affect economic and political figures or entities.
During the phone call, the US State Department urged the Iraqi government to ensure its energy independence, which was confirmed by the department’s spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce, in an official statement.
She pointed out that Rubio and Al-Sudani discussed the importance of reducing dependence on Iran in this vital sector, while stressing the resumption of the operation of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline as soon as possible.
This call reveals Washington’s desire to limit Iranian economic influence in Iraq, as the latter depends on Iranian gas to generate about 40% of its electricity , according to reports by the International Energy Agency for 2024.
This pressure is part of a broader policy aimed at reshaping regional balances, but it could force the Iraqi government to make difficult choices between maintaining its relations with Tehran and meeting US demands.
The leaders of the Coordination Framework see the content of Rubio’s messages as a direct threat to the stability of the political system in Iraq. Speculation is rife in Baghdad about the possibility of US sanctions that could include local banks or prominent figures, which could exacerbate the economic crises that the country is already suffering from.
This perception indicates the sensitivity of the internal political situation, as some believe that any American escalation could lead to reactions from the armed factions loyal to Iran, which have great influence in the Iraqi arena. This dynamic shows the complexity of the scene, as Al-Sudani tries to maintain a delicate balance between external pressures and internal stability.
Former US Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker confirmed during his participation in the Erbil Forum on Thursday, February 27, 2025, that Iraq is not among the main priorities of US foreign policy at the present time. He explained that the US focus is on confronting Iran, and that Iraq is seen as a secondary arena in this conflict .
This statement reinforces the impression that Washington is using Iraq as a tool in its broader strategy against Tehran, without fully paying attention to its internal needs. This raises questions about the seriousness of the strategic partnership between the two parties, especially with the ongoing security and economic challenges facing Baghdad.
According to statements by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Iraq seeks to maintain a balance in its relations with the United States and Iran, while emphasizing its commitment to the security agreement with Tehran. Hussein indicated in a television interview that Baghdad is working to protect its national interests amid increasing international pressure.
This position reflects the great challenge facing Al-Sudani in managing complex foreign relations, as Iraq has a long border with Iran that extends for more than 1,400 kilometers, making cooperation with it a geopolitical necessity. However, reliance on American support, whether military or economic, puts the government in an unenviable position.