However, some current and former US officials see Pompeo's threat to shutter the entire US Embassy in Baghdad as "a lot of theater and bluster," in the words of a former top State Department official who previously worked closely with Pompeo. The State Department would not reveal the details of the diplomatic discussions but noted they are ongoing. If the government does not shoulder those responsibilities, the U.S. government will do whatever is necessary to protect its people," a State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday. A State Department official told CNN on Tuesday that "the Embassy remains open and Ambassador Tueller is in Baghdad." It is unclear precisely how Iraq would move to drive down the militia attacks, and how quickly the Iraqis could take the necessary action.

Source: CNN September 30, 2020 00:33 UTC