Iraqi leader expresses confidence in US leadership under Trump for regional peace

The US-led international coalition's military presence in Iraq is expected to fulfil its mission by the end of 2025, according to Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid.

In an interview with Japanese media, Rashid indicated that there is an understanding that the coalition forces’ mission will be completed by next year, per Caliber.Az.

However, he noted that the withdrawal of forces may not occur immediately in 2025 or even this year.

Rashid explained that the exact timeline for the withdrawal of foreign military units will be determined through mutual understanding between Iraq and the coalition. He emphasized that the process should not be rushed, particularly in light of new risks arising from the change in leadership in neighbouring Syria at the end of 2024.

According to Rashid, there are numerous terrorist groups active in Syria, especially along the border with Iraq. He expressed the need for the Syrian government to take serious measures to prevent these groups from crossing the border or launching attacks on Iraq.

The Iraqi president also expressed hope that the administration of US President Donald Trump would succeed in resolving ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which would allow Iraq and other countries in the region to focus on addressing economic challenges.

The US-led military operation against Iraq, named "Iraqi Freedom," began on March 20, 2003, resulting in the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein. The invasion and subsequent years of conflict led to widespread instability, with Iraq becoming a base for various terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and ISIS. By 2014, ISIS controlled more than 60% of Iraq’s territory, but by the end of 2017, with the help of an international coalition, Iraqi forces had reclaimed the country from the terrorist group.

In response to the presence of foreign forces, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution on January 5, 2020, calling for the complete withdrawal of foreign troops. As of March 2021, the number of US troops in Iraq was reported to be under 2,500. By December 2021, the Iraqi Armed Forces General Staff confirmed the completion of the withdrawal operation, though the coalition maintained a smaller advisory presence. In September 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani stated that there was no longer a need for US troops in Iraq and that a timetable for their withdrawal would soon be announced.

By Tamilla Hasanova