[U.S. Suspends Security Cooperation and Funding with Iraq to Pressure Baghdad to Distance Itself from Iran] According to a report by Jinse Finance, on April 22, Iraq maintains close relations with both Iran and the United States, often finding itself caught between the two. Now, as the two partner nations are embroiled in conflict, the Baghdad government is facing increasing pressure from the U.S. Washington is demanding that Iraq distance itself from Iran and restrain Iraqi militia groups linked to Iran, which have been behind recent attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq. Two Iraqi officials revealed on Monday that, in an effort to force Iraq to make a choice, the U.S. has suspended cooperation with Iraq's security forces and halted funding. The U.S. State Department declined to comment specifically on this move but stated that Washington has urged the Iraqi government to crack down on Iran-backed militia groups, including some with ties to Baghdad government officials. In a statement, Deputy State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: "The United States will not tolerate attacks on U.S. interests and expects the Iraqi government to take immediate and comprehensive measures to disband Iran-aligned militia groups operating within Iraq." (The New York Times)