Iraq reiterates commitment to complete US troop withdrawal by Sept. 30

Baghdad remains steadfast in its commitment to the September 30 deadline for the complete withdrawal of international coalition forces, according to sources. This assertion directly challenges recent media reports suggesting that the United States and its allies intend to reduce their military presence and shift to a bilateral security arrangement with Iraq.

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it is premature to comment on press reports that are not based on an official US source.

An official Iraqi source dismissed the reports of continued foreign troop presence after the deadline as contradictory to existing agreements. While acknowledging the reports, the source cautioned against commenting on information not officially confirmed by the US. These reports cited an unnamed US official who stated that the coalition would scale down its missions by September 30, fulfilling directives from President Donald Trump. This move, according to the official, signifies a shared success against ISIS and a transition to a permanent bilateral security partnership aligned with US interests and the Strategic Framework Agreement.

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the reduction of the mission reflects what they described as a shared success in fighting ISIS. The official noted that it represents a transition toward a permanent bilateral security partnership between Baghdad and Washington, in accordance with US interests, the Iraqi constitution, and the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries.

The official clarified that this transition does not mark the end of the anti-ISIS coalition but rather a shift to a more traditional bilateral format. Coordination with coalition member states will continue to ensure a smooth transition. The plan, announced in September 2024, outlined phases for the mission's end, with forces remaining in the Kurdistan region to support operations in Syria.

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the upcoming September 30 will be like an "Iraqi celebration," confirming Baghdad's commitment to completing the withdrawal of coalition forces on schedule.

Sabah al-Numan, military spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declared that the September 30 deadline will be an "Iraqi celebration," underscoring Baghdad's dedication to completing the withdrawal on schedule. He also noted the government's ongoing efforts to regulate weapons and integrate armed factions into state institutions. The official Iraqi source reiterated Baghdad's commitment to the agreements with Washington, emphasizing that Iraq no longer requires foreign forces on its territory.

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is committed to what was agreed upon between Baghdad and Washington, and that Iraq no longer needs foreign forces on its territory for any purpose.