ISTANBUL

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls on Monday with Germany’s top diplomat and Iraq’s prime minister to discuss regional security concerns, according to a statement by the US Department of State.

In statements attributed to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott, Rubio spoke with Johann Wadephul, Germany’s foreign minister, outlining Washington’s regional priorities and stressing coordination with allies.

“The Secretary outlined US objectives in the region, emphasizing the importance of protecting US personnel and partners and of continued coordination with allies,” the State Department said.

Rubio and Wadephul also discussed tensions linked to Iran, including “the ongoing threats posed by the Iranian regime to regional stability and condemned recent attacks.”

In a separate call, Rubio spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about security developments in Iraq and the protection of American personnel.

During the conversation, Rubio “strongly condemned terrorist attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups in Iraq," including in the Iraqi Kurdish Region, according to the statement.

Both sides emphasized the need for stronger protective measures, reiterating “the importance of the Iraqi government taking all possible measures to safeguard US diplomatic personnel and facilities.”

The calls came amid heightened regional tensions following the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Tensions escalated after Israel and the US launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, which have reportedly killed around 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Iran also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz around March 1. The strategic waterway normally handles about 20 million barrels of oil shipments daily and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.