The discussion centered on Iraq accepting up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syria, a move that could spark controversy within the country.

Marco Rubio’s call with PM Shia al-Sudani comes as Iraq is expected to see a new government amid US-Iran tensions.

By Maha El Dahan, Timour Azhari and Humeyra Pamuk DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Jan 23 - Washington has threatened senior Iraqi politicians with sanctions targeting the Iraqi state - including potentially its critical oil revenues - should armed groups backed by Iran be included in the next government,

US senior officials call for independent and inclusive administration in Iraq amid rising concern in Washington over Coordination Framework’s nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as its

But the US has long had concerns that the cash acts as a source of illicit dollars for corrupt politicians, militias and Tehran. In 2015, it temporarily halted the supply of dollars to Baghdad over concerns the cash was flowing to Tehran and Isis coffers.

The US warned Iraq against including Iran-backed factions in the next government, signaling possible sanctions on oil revenues and dollar transfers, Reuters reports.

Maliki’s nomination sets stage for delicate talks on forming government amid US-Iran tensions and pressure over armed militias

A representative of an Iranian Kurdish separatist group in Iraq says the group’s armed wing has launched attacks on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for Tehran's violent crackdown on protesters.

As Trump steps back from threats against Iran, Kurdish Iranian opposition group says it's ready to help topple the regime, but the time isn't right yet.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that an Iran-controlled government would undermine Iraq’s stability and strain ties with Washington, as political uncertainty grows in Baghdad.

Tensions with US over Iran-aligned politicians come as US has also praised Baghdad for accepting Islamic State prisoners from Syria