Iraqi premier and U.S. CENTCOM chief meet to discuss counterterrorism

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met in Baghdad on Tuesday with Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to review security cooperation and future counterterrorism efforts.

A statement from al-Sudani’s office said the talks covered “various aspects of the security and military relationship between Iraq and the U.S., progress in the fight against terrorism, and follow-up on the joint declaration of September 2024,” with both sides reaffirming their commitment to all provisions of the agreement.

On 27 September 2024, Washington and Baghdad agreed to end the U.S.-led coalition’s mission against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq within 12 months, transitioning to bilateral security arrangements by the end of September 2025.

The leaders pledged continued support for Iraqi forces and sustained pressure on the terror group under the new framework.

Sudani and Cooper stressed “the importance of continued dialogue on joint security cooperation at the bilateral level, along with broader discussions on developing the partnership.”

The Iraqi premier said the partnership with Washington has “yielded important results for both countries and contributed to enhancing security and stability locally, regionally, and internationally.”

Cooper praised Iraq as “a model of successful counterterrorism cooperation” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to “building on past achievements, advancing security cooperation, and strengthening strategic communication.”

The U.S. currently has around 2,500 troops in Iraq. The coalition, formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, includes partners such as France and Spain.

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