US pressing Iraq on Iranian use of its airspace

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's choice for ambassador to Iraq says he will make clear to Baghdad that U.S. officials are angered by reports that Iran is using Iraqi airspace to deliver weapons to Syria.

Robert Beecroft told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that the U.S. continues to press Iraq on any effort that could aid the Syrian government in its 18-month crackdown on its citizens.

Committee Chairman John Kerry told Beecroft that members of Congress were frustrated with Baghdad and would consider imposing conditions on U.S. financial assistance to Iraq.

Kerry and committee Republicans signaled that the Senate would move quickly to confirm Beecroft.

Obama picked the deputy chief of mission in Baghdad after racy emails doomed the choice of Brett McGurk, who withdrew his nomination in June.