The official Iraqi news agency INA quoted Al-Zaidi, who indicated that the relationship with Washington will shift from military cooperation to an economic partnership.

The Prime Minister added that, following the withdrawal of all US forces, there will be no reason to maintain armed resistance within Iraqi territory.

His statements precede a planned visit to the United States after mid-July, leading a delegation of business leaders, with the aim of expanding economic and trade ties between Baghdad and Washington.

On September 27, 2024, both governments announced a two-stage agreement to end the mission of the US-led international coalition against the Daesh terrorist group in Iraq.

The first phase concluded in January 2026 and included the cessation of the coalition’s military mission, the withdrawal of troops, the handover of bases, and the establishment of bilateral security mechanisms to support Iraqi forces.

The second phase will extend until next September and envisions the continuation of the coalition’s mission in Syria from facilities located in Iraq, as defined by the Joint High Command.

Furthermore, Al-Zaidi asserted that most armed factions have begun surrendering their weapons to the state.

On June 3, the Iraqi government created a committee tasked with centralizing control of weapons held by state institutions, a measure aimed at strengthening internal security and limiting the actions of armed groups operating outside official authority.

The issue of weapons not controlled by the state constitutes one of the main political and security challenges in Iraq, where factions linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces and other independent groups operate.

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