Iraq's Ali al-Zaidi discusses coalition withdrawal with France's Macron
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on August 8, 2026, to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability. Al-Zaidi emphasized the importance of economic and investment cooperation, inviting Macron to visit Iraq to build a sustainable partnership.
During the call, al-Zaidi announced that September 30 serves as the final deadline for the withdrawal of the international coalition's forces from Iraq. He stated that the conclusion of their mission would allow the Iraqi government to focus more heavily on reconstruction, development, and economic growth.
President Macron expressed support for Iraq's anti-corruption and economic reform efforts, while pledging continued French assistance in counter-terrorism and strengthening the Iraqi armed forces. The discussions also touched upon Iraq's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with its neighbors and ensuring its territory is not used to threaten regional security.
Entities: Ali al-Zaidi · Ali al-Zaydi · Emmanuel Macron · France · International coalition · Iraq
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Iraqi Prime Minister invited President Emmanuel Macron to visit Iraq. (Ali al-Zaidi)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Iraq seeks to build balanced relations with neighboring countries and will not allow its territory to be used to threaten their security. (Ali al-Zaidi)
- [● 3 SOURCES] France supports Iraq's efforts in anti-corruption, economic reform, and counter-terrorism. (Emmanuel Macron)
- [● 2 SOURCES] A two-phase plan to end the coalition's mission in Iraq was announced by Baghdad and Washington on September 27, 2024. (Official Agreement)
- [● 4 SOURCES] September 30 is the deadline for the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq. (Ali al-Zaidi)