Iraq in contact with US over intention to close embassy

By Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AA) - The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it is in contact with the US administration over Washington's intention to close its embassy in Baghdad.

"Iraq will continue its engagement with the US to change its decision," Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in a news conference.

He said a possible closure of the embassy will give the message to the Iraqi people that extremists and Daesh/ISIS triumphed.

On Sunday, several US media reports, including the Washington Post, said that the US may close its embassy in Baghdad for 90 days without giving further clarification.

Over the past few months, Baghdad's fortified Green Zone area which hosts most of the foreign missions and government buildings, has come under frequent attacks by unknown militants.

The Iraqi groups and parties that are backed by Iran demand of the US troops' departure from Iraq.

* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara