The official, Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, made the remarks during a press briefing at the Pentagon.
“In conversations with senior Iraqi leaders, the Iranian threat and Iranian activities in Iraq comes up as they talk about future capabilities,” Lt. Gen. Barbero noted, adding, “They are concerned about it.” Referring to the Iranian regime’s proxy terrorist groups, the Pentagon official said, “They look at these Iranian surrogate groups — Kata'ib Hezbollah, Asa'ib al-Haq — which are active in Iraq still, not only attacking U.S. forces, but Iraqi security forces. And I believe these activities are creating antibodies in Iraq.”
“So we're building towards capabilities, but the Iraqis are very aware that they live in a neighborhood where they must be able to protect Iraqi sovereignty.”