Iraq reiterates commitment to US-led coalition withdrawal deadline

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Iraqi officials reaffirmed that September 30 remains the fixed deadline for the full withdrawal of the US-led coalition, countering reports that suggested a shift toward a limited drawdown instead. The Iraqi government maintained that a complete exit was the original agreement between Baghdad and Washington, despite conflicting reports regarding a transition to a bilateral security partnership. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s administration emphasized this stance following discussions with US President Donald Trump, who previously expressed support for reducing the military footprint in Iraq.

Consequences

The shift in military presence may alter US operational capabilities in the region following damage to infrastructure during the Iran war. This drawdown, paired with the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, suggests a potential move by regional powers toward diversified security partnerships independent of the United States.

Sources

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