Iraqi PM announces imminent end of US-led coalition mission, timetable for withdrawal soon

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani has revealed that the official end date for the international coalition's mission in Iraq will be announced soon, marking a significant turning point as the country moves from years of conflict to a period of stability.

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Al-Sudani stated, "We will announce the conclusion of the international coalition's mission in Iraq during our participation in the international conference against ISIS." He emphasised that this decision is a crucial part of the government's broader agenda.

"The justification for the coalition's presence no longer exists," the Iraqi PM noted, stressing that Iraq no longer requires the support of 86 nations. He highlighted that the Islamic State (ISIS) no longer poses a significant threat after its defeat. Al-Sudani expressed his gratitude to coalition forces and Iraq's international allies for their vital role in overcoming ISIS.

The Prime Minister elaborated on the ongoing dialogue with the coalition, which includes extensive discussions about the mission's conclusion. He also underscored the importance of Iraq's bilateral relations with the US, noting that Iraq respects US domestic politics and the current administration. He stressed the importance of implementing the strategic agreement between the two nations to foster a stable relationship moving forward.

Sudani recounted his recent meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington, where the two leaders discussed the future of the coalition's presence in Iraq. A joint military committee, formed in August 2023, has been working on an exit strategy and reached a mutual understanding on the withdrawal. However, the official announcement will be made at the international anti-ISIS conference to prevent any miscommunication.

The Prime Minister also touched on Iraq's delicate position in regional politics, emphasizing the country's unique relationships with both the US and Iran. He highlighted Iran's support in defeating ISIS and Iraq's efforts to bridge differences between the two nations.

Despite Iraq's progress toward stability, regional tensions persist. One major issue is the influence of Iran-backed militias, particularly the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which were formed in 2014 to combat ISIS. While integrated into Iraq's security forces, these Shia paramilitary groups remain politically and militarily powerful, often operating independently of Al-Sudani's command. The militias have occasionally attacked Iraqi bases hosting coalition forces and have been involved in targeting Israeli interests under the banner of the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq."

The Islamic Resistance recently claimed responsibility for an attack on Israel's Jordan Valley. With Israel planning possible military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iraqi militias have vowed to defend Hezbollah if war breaks out in southern Lebanon.

These geopolitical shifts could potentially impact Iraq's stability and the timeline for the coalition's withdrawal. While Iraq has largely transitioned to peace, the threat of renewed regional conflict remains a critical factor in the nation's future.