Iraq PM to discuss future of US military presence in Iraq with Biden
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani plans to hold discussions with US President Joe Biden regarding plans for the future presence of the US military in Iraq.
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Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Monday, before meeting with US President Joe Biden, that they would discuss plans to decide the future presence of the US military in Iraq.
"We are going to discuss today our sustainable partnership according to the strategic framework," Sudani said during remarks at the White House alongside Biden.
Al-Sudani made reference to the Higher Military Commission (HMC), comprising of both US and Iraqi officials, engaged in discussions regarding the future of the US-led coalition that allegedly works to counter the Islamic State terror organization in Iraq.
He noted that the Iraqi government is fully committed to activating the strategy framework agreement, as it has numerous benefits to offer for both countries.
The US Department of Defense said that launching the commission does not signify the commencement of negotiations between the two countries regarding the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.
Read more: Leaving Iraq may be Washington’s wisest choice: Foreign Policy
Relations between Iraq and the US have recently soured, particularly since the US began illegally targeting sites within Iraq.
Adding to this is a growing anti-US sentiment across the region since "Israel" launched a genocidal campaign in Gaza, which has received unconditional support from the US.
On April 12, al-Sudani announced that the joint US-Iraqi Military Committee has agreed to end the international coalition's mission according to a timetable.
"We consider a comprehensive de-escalation in the Middle East to be in both Iraqi and US interests. That requires, above all, urgently ending the war in the Gaza Strip and respecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," he said in an article for Foreign Affairs.
"We believe the time is right for our relationship to become broader, recognizing the growing capabilities of our forces to defend Iraq and ensure the safety of its citizens," he said, alluding to ending foreign intervention in Iraq's security and military.
