Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced on Wednesday that the deadline of September 30 for concluding the international coalition's military mission in Iraq and the withdrawal of foreign forces is "final and irreversible." The declaration was made during a meeting with US Central Command Commander Gen. Brad Cooper, as reported by the Iraqi prime minister's office on the social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Zaidi emphasized that October 1 would usher in a new era for Iraq, free from any foreign military presence. He underscored the necessity for the collective effort of the Iraqi people to foster a robust economy and a stable state. Al-Zaidi stated that the exclusive control of weapons by the state is crucial for ushering Iraq into a new period of development and prosperity.

Both parties confirmed their full and conclusive agreement to terminate the international coalition's military mission, a decision reached during al-Zaidi's visit to Washington in mid-July. The statement further noted that Iraqi-US relations would transition towards economic and security cooperation, grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests.