Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed ending the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq with a coalition official, while Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein asserted that US forces are not occupiers.
These talks come as Sudani’s government successfully brokered a truce between the US and armed groups aiming to drive American troops out of Iraq.
A recent joint operation by US and Iraqi forces in Anbar province, which killed 15 ISIS militants, highlighted ongoing cooperation between the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces against the terror group.
The US reported that seven of its soldiers were injured in the raid.
“The remnants of ISIS no longer pose a threat to the Iraqi state, as they have become isolated groups hiding in remote areas to avoid capture,” Sudani’s office cited the premier as saying during the meeting with coalition commander US Maj. Gen. Kevin C. Leahy and US Ambassador to Baghdad Alina Romanowski.
Sudani’s meeting with Leahy and Romanowski also discussed the coalition’s future role in Iraq, cooperation in training Iraqi security forces, and intelligence collaboration.
On his part, Hussein asserted that the US presence in Iraq is not an occupation.
“We are working hard to keep Iraq away from the threat of war,” said the top Iraqi diplomat in a TV interview.
Hussein explained that the Iraqi government is focusing on both internal dialogue with armed groups and external efforts to reduce tensions.
He emphasized that decisions on war and peace are the responsibility of the government and parliament, according to the constitution, and that the government is focused on Iraq’s own situation, not regional conflicts.
While Iraq stands in solidarity with Palestine, this support does not extend to armed conflict, as Iraq is still dealing with the aftermath of its own wars.
Addressing the frequent meetings between Romanowski and Iraqi officials, Hussein clarified that these do not breach diplomatic norms.
He reiterated that the US presence in Iraq is not an occupation, noting that “many issues need further discussion.”
Hussein also confirmed that talks are ongoing for the withdrawal of US troops, and that Iraq has formally requested their exit.
