🇮🇶🇺🇸 Iraq Sets September 30 Deadline for End of Foreign Military Presence
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has reaffirmed that Iraq is expected to be free of foreign military forces beginning October 1, with September 30 set as the deadline for the international coalition to conclude its military mission and complete the withdrawal of its troops.
During a meeting with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, Al-Zaidi described the period following the withdrawal as “a new era for the Iraqi state.”
The Iraqi prime minister said the end of the coalition’s military mission would mark an important step toward the country exercising full sovereignty over its territory, while Baghdad continues to strengthen its own security institutions, armed forces and defense capabilities.
Al-Zaidi also stressed that all weapons must remain exclusively under the authority of the Iraqi state and be controlled in accordance with the law, reinforcing Baghdad’s position that armed force must remain within official state institutions.
The planned withdrawal would represent a significant shift in the U.S.-Iraq security relationship and comes after years of international military involvement in Iraq following the rise of ISIS.
The transition is expected to place greater responsibility on Iraqi security forces to protect the country from terrorist threats and maintain internal stability without the presence of foreign combat forces.
For Washington, the end of the coalition’s military mission does not necessarily mean the disappearance of all security cooperation with Baghdad. Iraq and the United States are expected to continue discussions on defense, intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation as the country assumes greater responsibility for its own security.
October 1 could therefore mark a major turning point for Iraq: a transition toward greater military independence and a renewed emphasis on state control over weapons and national security.