American Visit Amid Escalation

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas arrived in Baghdad as part of an official tour that includes Turkey, Iraq, and Israel. The visit comes at a sensitive time, marked by direct and explicit American involvement in Iraqi affairs, with public messages and warnings to factions and political forces—similar to Safaya’s threats two days ago—underscoring Washington’s intent to impose its will on the formation of the Iraqi government and the balance of internal influence.

This tour follows rising security tensions along the Iraqi‑Iranian border and in Kurdistan, including a rocket strike on the Kor Mor gas field in the region, which caused a fire and suspended gas production. This situation highlights that Washington views Iraq as a vital arena for regional power balances, closely monitoring government formation and factional influence, without venturing into predictions about future steps or possible escalation.