seems like this presages another attack on iran;

Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbasi has disclosed that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directly warned Baghdad of imminent military operations in the region, urging Iraq to restrain pro-Iranian militias operating within its borders.

Speaking in a televised interview late Saturday, al-Abbasi said the phone call, made via the US chargé d’affaires in Baghdad, marked the clearest warning yet from the White House since renewed tensions with Tehran and its regional allies.

“Hegseth told us clearly that operations are coming and that we must ensure no faction in Iraq interferes,” al-Abbasi said. “He concluded the call with, ‘This is your final notice — and you know very well how this administration will respond.’”

Warning Follows Days After US Reassurances to Baghdad

The revelation came just two days after a White House message conveyed assurances about the stability of US–Iraq relations. Yet, the tone of Hegseth’s conversation with al-Abbasi sharply contrasted with the diplomatic overtures.........more..........