WASHINGTON: The United States called Wednesday for Iraq to dismantle non-government "armed groups" that have "undermined national sovereignty" ahead of a visit to Washington by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi.

"Armed groups not under the full control of the prime minister have impeded our progress," said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "Those groups need to be replaced by local police as soon as possible."

Pompeo was speaking at a press conference in Washington together with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, one day before Kadhemi meets President Donald Trump at the White House.