Iraq to close international coalition center and remove foreign military bases

Iraq has announced the closure of the international coalition center, with officials stating that no foreign military bases will remain on Iraqi soil. Abdulemir Shammari, Office Manager for the Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, noted that the country's security situation is stable and control has been established across all territories.

As part of the process to end the international coalition's mission and foreign military presence, an agreement was signed between the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. This agreement involves the transfer of the diplomatic support area at Baghdad International Airport to the Iraqi government. The transfer follows a timeline set for September 30, 2026.

Iraqi Deputy Minister for Bilateral Relations, Ambassador Muhammed Hussein Bahrululum, and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Stephen Fagin signed the agreement. Officials indicated that this step is intended to strengthen Iraq-U.S. relations, transitioning them toward a new phase of cooperation and partnership based on mutual respect for sovereignty.