<span style="color: #222222;">Baghdad cautioned on Monday against an escalation after a flurry of attacks on US interests in Iraq prompted Washington to warn of a decisive response against Iran. Since October 28, ten rocket attacks have targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are stationed.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">These attacks have not been claimed, but the United States has blamed Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">According to a statement from the Iraqi premier's office, US defence secretary Mark Esper today expressed his concern over the strikes in a telephone call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In response, Mr Mahdi called on everyone to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties. He said, unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation and will threaten Iraq's security, sovereignty and independence.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Abdel Mahdi, a close ally of Iran who also enjoyed cordial relations with the US, resigned in early December after the two months of unprecedented demonstrations in the capital and Shiite-majority south in which around 460 people have died.Negotiations are underway to name his successor. </span><br />