Sen. James Lankford: Iraq Must Address Militias for Growth

Republican Senator James Lankford discusses the strategic importance of Iraq and the challenges the country faces in rebuilding its global engagement.

Lankford highlights his recent visit to Iraq, where he met with senior leaders in both Baghdad and Erbil to discuss trade, security, and international relations.

He emphasizes that Iraq has historically been connected globally through trade and diplomacy, but persistent security threats, including Iran-backed militias, continue to pose significant obstacles.

According to Lankford, these groups have targeted Westerners and threaten both foreign investment and Iraq’s ability to fully engage with the world.

The senator underscores that Iraq’s leadership is eager to rebuild international partnerships and expand trade opportunities, but that progress depends on addressing internal security challenges.