Pentagon rules out U.S. military cooperation with Iran in Iraq crisis

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says it has no plans to coordinate with Iran on possible military action in Iraq.

The Pentagon’s press secretary, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, told reporters Monday that while there may be discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Vienna about security in the region, it will not include any military coordination.

Secretary of State John Kerry said in an interview with Yahoo! News that Washington is “open to discussions” with Tehran if the Iranians can help end the violence and restore confidence in the Iraqi government and would not rule out military cooperation. Kirby said this does not mean the U.S. is planning to engage with Iraq on military activities inside Iraq.

Kerry also said that U.S. drone strikes “may well” be an option.