US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (Photo: VNA)

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement that the secretary expressed his appreciation for al-Halbousi’s continued partnership with the US.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed measured for reducing tension in the region in a call with Pompeo on events in Iraq on Friday. Earlier on Friday, the ministry of foreign affairs in the kingdom called for self restraint to contain any escalation.