Iraq PM Says Coalition Forces to Withdraw From Iraq on Sept. 30

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi said international coalition forces will withdraw from Iraq on Sept. 30, describing the planned departure as the completion of the country's formal sovereignty over its territory.

Zaidi made the remarks in a message marking the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, in which he outlined his government's commitment to sovereignty, institutional reform, combating corruption and strengthening Iraq's security institutions within the constitutional framework.

"On Sept. 30, it will be time for the international coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq," Zaidi said. "With this, Iraqis will declare the completion of their formal sovereignty over the entirety of their national territory."

The prime minister also stressed that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used against neighboring or other countries.

"Iraq must not become a staging ground for inflicting harm on other countries," he said.

Zaidi's remarks place sovereignty and control over Iraqi territory at the center of his government's approach to the withdrawal of foreign forces. His government, he said, had pledged upon taking office to work toward building a fully sovereign state while pursuing reform and strengthening national institutions.

The prime minister also expressed appreciation for Iraq's supreme religious authority and other religious institutions, citing their guidance on protecting the country’s security, safeguarding its population and strengthening social peace.

Turning to the broader Middle East, Zaidi said decades of tensions had contributed to divisions and differing positions among Arab and Islamic states.

He called for greater unity in regional positions and decision-making, invoking the teachings and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad as a basis for overcoming divisions.

The Sept. 30 date is therefore being presented by Baghdad not only as the end of the international coalition's presence, but as a milestone in the government's stated effort to consolidate Iraqi sovereignty and ensure that decisions concerning the country's security and territory remain under state authority.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.