BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has rejected a proposal to retain some international coalition forces in Iraq beyond September 30, reaffirming Baghdad’s plan to end the foreign military presence, government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference cited by the Iraqi News Agency, Al-Aboudi said the government remained committed to bringing weapons and security decisions under state authority.
He added that negotiations with armed factions were progressing and that officials expected to conclude the discussions before the September 30 deadline.
Baghdad Prepares for Post-Coalition Security Order
Al-Aboudi said Iraqi authorities were closely monitoring regional developments but remained determined to prevent the country from becoming involved in the wider conflict.
He stressed that Baghdad would base its decisions on national interests and described talks with armed factions as positive.
Meanwhile, Al-Zaidi announced on August 12 that the international coalition’s military mission would formally end on September 30, completing the withdrawal of its troops.
During a meeting with US Central Command Commander General Brad Cooper, the prime minister said October 1 would mark a new phase in Iraqi statehood, with the country free of foreign military forces.
Iraq, US to Shift Toward Security and Economic Cooperation
However, the withdrawal will not end cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.
The two sides agreed to transition their relationship toward economic and security cooperation based on Iraqi sovereignty and shared interests.
The US-led international coalition entered Iraq in 2014 after Daesh captured large areas of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
Iraq declared victory over the militant group in December 2017. Nevertheless, coalition personnel remained at Baghdad’s request to provide training and advisory support.
Consequently, the September withdrawal represents a significant change in Iraq’s security arrangements.
Baghdad now aims to strengthen independent decision-making while continuing partnerships with the United States and other international allies without maintaining a foreign military presence on Iraqi territory.
