U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo canceled a visit to Berlin on Tuesday at short notice,… citing (quote) "pressing issues" that forced him to pull out of talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Those "pressing issues" were revealed later.
The State Department later saying Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Baghdad for talks with Iraq's leaders, including the prime minister.
Pompeo reportedly told them he stood by their fight for freedom and democracy.
Watchers say his trip could be due to Washington's rising tensions with Iran and reassure the Iraqis of America's commitment to the country.