US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani engaged in a conversation where they agreed to boost communication and strengthen cooperation. They discussed bilateral relations, frameworks for agreements, and progress in joint efforts against terrorism. A timeline was established for the end of the US-led military mission in Iraq, reflecting a shift towards bilateral security relations.
On a recent telephone conversation, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani reached an agreement to enhance communication and deepen bilateral cooperation between the two nations. This communication was confirmed through a statement issued by Al-Sudani’s office, which outlined that the officials addressed the state of US-Iraq relations and explored methods to further develop these ties.
During the call, discussions were held on how to coordinate efforts between Iraq and the newly established US administration. They also examined frameworks for bilateral agreements and reviewed the progress made in their joint actions across various sectors. Both parties expressed a mutual commitment to strengthen communication and expand cooperative efforts.
On September 27, both Washington and Baghdad reached a consensus regarding a timeline to conclude the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq, aiming for completion within twelve months, and setting a final deadline for September 2025. This decision reflects a strategic transition toward a framework of bilateral security relations focused on supporting Iraqi forces while continuing to apply pressure on the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group.
In addition, it was noted that military operations by the coalition in Syria would persist from an authorized base until September 2026, with the aim of preventing the resurgence of the ISIS threat in northeastern Syria. Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq as part of an international coalition established in 2014 for the purpose of countering ISIS, which has been a collaborative effort with various nations, including France and Spain, in response to ISIS’s territorial gains.
The dialogue between the United States and Iraq signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and improving cooperation in various domains. With a clear timeline set for concluding the US-led mission and continued support against terrorism, both nations are poised to enhance their strategic partnership as they navigate contemporary security challenges.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
