US discusses Iraq situation with Iran in Vienna

The US has discussed the current situation in Iraq with Iranian officials on the sidelines of nuclear talks in Vienna, officials here said.

"We are open to engaging the Iranians, just as we are engaging other regional players on the threat post by ISIl in Iraq. The issue did come up briefly with Iran on the margins of the P5+1 in Vienna today, separate from our trilateral meeting," a Senior State Department official said.

"These engagements will not include military coordination or strategic determinations about Iraq's future over the heads of the Iraqi people," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

"We will discuss how ISIl threatens many countries in the region, including Iran, and the need to support inclusivity in Iraq and refrain from pressing a sectarian agenda," the official said yesterday.

Earlier in the day, the White House, the State Department and the Pentagon ruled out holding any talks with Iran on military operations in Iraq.

"I want to make very clear that any of those conversations that may occur on the margins are entirely separate from the conversations about Iran's nuclear programme," White House Deputy Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, told reporters.

According to published reports, it's clear the Iranians feel a stake in resolving the deteriorating security situation that we've seen in Iraq.

"Frankly, it’s in the interest of all of the countries in the region that the kind of violence at the hands of extremists that we've seen in Iraq come to an end," he said.

"The message that we are sending publicly about the need for all of Iraq's political leadership to pursue an inclusive political agenda is a position that will be conveyed candidly to the Iranian leadership if those kinds of conversations actually occur," he said.

US deploying 275 military personnel to protect embassy in Iraq

Washington: The US is deploying up to 275 military personnel in Iraq to protect its citizens and property as the war-torn country battles a dramatic sweep by insurgents there.

Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby said over the weekend, a number of teams totaling approximately 170 US personnel began arriving in Baghdad from within the US Central Command Area of Responsibility.

"We have also moved approximately 100 personnel into the region to provide airfield management, security, and logistics support, if required. All of these forces are trained to integrate with existing US Embassy security teams or operate as a standalone force as directed," he said.

"The safety of personnel serving in diplomatic missions abroad is among our highest priorities. The presence of these additional forces will help enable the State Department to continue their critical diplomatic mission and work with Iraqis on challenges they are facing," Kirby said in a statement.

Earlier in the day yesterday, Obama notified the Congress that this force is deploying for the purpose of protecting US citizens and property, if necessary, and is equipped for combat.

"This force will remain in Iraq until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed," he said.

Earlier in the day, Obama notified the Congress that this force is deploying for the purpose of protecting US citizens and property, if necessary, and is equipped for combat.

"This action has been directed consistent with my responsibility to protect US citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of US national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct US foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive," Obama said.

"The personnel will provide assistance to the Department of State in connection with the temporary relocation of some staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad to the US Consulates General in Basra and Erbil and to the Iraq Support Unit in Amman," White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney, said.

Noting that these US military personnel are entering Iraq with the consent of Iraqi Government, Carney said the US Embassy in Baghdad remains open, and a substantial majority of the US Embassy presence in Iraq will remain in place and the embassy will be fully equipped to carry out its national security mission.

Meanwhile US Secretary of State, John Kerry, continued to reach out to his counterparts in the region to discuss the emerging situation in Iraq, wherein Islamic militants have gained control of a section of the country.

He called the foreign ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Yesterday afternoon, Obama held meeting with his National Security Advisor, Suan Rice, to take an update in the situation. 

Obama, yesterday held a meeting with his national security team on the unfolding developments in Iraq, the White House said.

However, the White House did not give indication of any decision taken by Obama during the meeting, wherein he discussed a range of issues that could help support Iraq and counter the threat from Islamic State of Iraq and the levant (ISIl), the terrorist group that has gained control of several Iraqi cities.

Among those who attended the meeting were Vice President, Joe Biden, Secretary of State, John Kerry, Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel and other senior officials.