Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited Baghdad, Iraq today to assess progress in the counter-ISIL campaign. He met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Minister of Defense Khaled al-Ubaidi and affirmed the U.S. commitment to support the government of Iraq in the campaign to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. He emphasized the importance of building ... Read More»
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Recent Terrorist Attack in Iraq
The United States strongly condemns yesterday’s abhorrent ISIL attack in Diyala Province which purposefully and viciously targeted Iraqi civilians celebrating the Eid ul-Fitr holiday to mark the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This latest attack is yet another painful example of the atrocities that the terrorist group ISIL continues to perpetrate against the ... Read More»
The United States Repatriates Cultural Heritage Objects and Fragments to the Government of Iraq
The United States Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones, joined the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Adil Fahad Shirshab, in a repatriation ceremony at which 700 objects and fragments were returned to the government of Iraq at the National Museum in Baghdad. These artifacts were recovered during a raid on the Syrian compound of Da’esh ... Read More»
Statement by the President on Iran
THE PRESIDENT: Today, after two years of negotiations, the United States, together with our international partners, has achieved something that decades of animosity has not — a comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change — ... Read More»
Remarks by the President at 2015 Iftar Dinner
The President: Welcome to the White House. Now, I know that these are the longest days of the year, which is why I’m so glad that they put the first course down right away. (Laughter.) I know you’re hungry, and I promise to be brief. I want to thank the members of our diplomatic corps ... Read More»