Iraq has definitively set September 30 as the final deadline for the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition’s military mission and its forces, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced on Wednesday. The announcement came following a meeting between al-Zaidi and US Central Command Commander General Brad Cooper, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s office.

The impending withdrawal marks the conclusion of a foreign military presence that began with the 2003 US-led invasion. While US forces initially withdrew combat troops in December 2011, they returned in 2014 to combat the rise of the ISIL (ISIS) armed group. In 2024, Washington and Baghdad had agreed to an operational wind-down.

The prime minister’s office stated that September 30 is a "fixed and final date" for the conclusion of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS mission in Iraq and the departure of its forces. The statement emphasized that October 1 would signify a new era for Iraq, free from any foreign military presence, with all weapons placed under exclusive state control as a prerequisite for national development and prosperity.

Both Iraqi and US officials agreed to the September 30 deadline, which was discussed during al-Zaidi's visit to Washington, D.C., in mid-July. The prime minister and General Cooper affirmed that future Iraqi-US relations would focus on economic and security cooperation, founded on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests.

A US official confirmed to The Associated Press that the United States anticipates completing its pullout by the September 30 deadline. The official noted the significant success achieved in defeating ISIS, asserting that Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other regional security forces, are now prepared to lead the fight against remaining terrorist threats.

While US troops largely departed from Iraqi bases last year, a contingent remained in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region. These bases have faced regular attacks since February 28, following the commencement of the war on Iran involving the US and Israel.

The peak of the US military presence in Iraq occurred in 2007, with over 170,000 troops involved in counterinsurgency operations. The initial withdrawal of combat forces was completed in December 2011, preceding the resurgence of ISIL that necessitated the return of US forces.

This final withdrawal signals a significant shift in Iraq's geopolitical standing and its assertion of full sovereignty. The Iraqi government views this as a critical step towards rebuilding and establishing independent security capabilities, though questions may remain regarding the ongoing security challenges posed by remaining extremist elements.