US to end military mission in Iraq on September 30
The US State Department says it is committed to winding down the anti-ISIS coalition's military operations in Iraq by September 30, 2026. Washington says the focus will shift to economic and diplomatic partnership with Iraq going forward.
RastinewsA State Department spokesperson told Rudaw's Washington correspondent Diyar Kurda that the timeline for ending the military mission in Iraq is on track.
"Washington is taking steps in line with the jointly agreed timeline to end the coalition's military operations in Iraq," the spokesperson said.
The transition reflects the growing capacity of Iraqi security forces, including the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces, the spokesperson said, adding that the move marks the start of a new chapter in relations between Baghdad and Washington.
Washington backs Iraqi government
Referring to the July 14 meeting between US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeidi, the spokesperson said Washington supports Iraq's efforts to strengthen its sovereignty and prevent attacks launched from its territory against other countries.
The statement said the goal is to transform US-Iraq relations from a security-focused footing into a long-term partnership spanning economy, energy, investment, development and infrastructure.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haider Abudi has previously told Rudaw that September 30 will mark a significant milestone for Iraq's sovereignty.