Al-Sudani and Cropper follow up on the implementation of the US withdrawal
Al-Sudani and Cropper follow up on the implementation of the US withdrawal
2025-09-02 04:10
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed with the new commander of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cropper, on Tuesday the implementation of the US withdrawal from the country.
This came during his reception of Cropper and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the US Chargé d’Affaires in Iraq, in the capital, Baghdad, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency.
According to the statement, the meeting discussed various security and military aspects between Iraq and the United States, progress made in the war on terrorism, and follow-up on the implementation of the joint declaration issued in September 2024, with commitment to all provisions of the agreement emphasized .
The meeting also emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue on joint security cooperation at the bilateral level between Iraq and the United States, as well as exchanging views on aspects of the bilateral partnership and ways to develop it .
The Prime Minister pointed out that the partnership between Iraq and the United States has achieved significant results that serve the interests of both countries and have contributed to enhancing security and stability locally, regionally, and internationally .
For his part, Admiral Cooper praised Iraq’s role as a model of successful counterterrorism cooperation, reiterating his commitment to building on the successes achieved, continuing security cooperation, and strengthening strategic communication in the coming period .
Last Saturday, an informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency that a high-level US delegation would visit the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in the coming days to discuss a number of issues with Iraqi officials.
According to a source who spoke to Shafaq News Agency, the delegation will discuss the US withdrawal from its main bases in Iraq and its repercussions, in addition to an economic file and another related to energy.
The US delegation is also scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Region, according to the source, to discuss several issues, including the repercussions of the recent events in Sulaymaniyah.
Relations between the United States and Iraq have been at a diplomatic standstill since Donald Trump took office. Communication and meetings have been limited to the US Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad, Stephen Fagin, and a single call received by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This comes as the first phase of the US-led international coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq has begun, with a US military convoy already departing from Ain al-Asad base.
The schedule includes the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Ain al-Asad base and Baghdad by the end of September 2025, with a portion of them being transferred to Erbil and Kuwait. Meanwhile, the number of troops will gradually decrease from approximately 2,000 to less than 500 in Erbil.
shafaq.com
