Get your business and economy news from Iraq
Provided by AGP
Iraq, US Discuss Security Cooperation, Military Training
(MENAFN) Iraq’s prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi has held talks with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth focused on security cooperation and the possible resumption and expansion of joint military training programs. The discussion took place during a phone call and comes at a time when Iraq is in the process of forming its next government.
According to official statements, the US side congratulated al-Zaidi on his nomination and signaled continued willingness to engage closely with Baghdad. The conversation also followed earlier remarks from US President Donald Trump, who reportedly extended congratulations and expressed interest in inviting the Iraqi leader-designate to Washington once the government is established.
The talks centered on bilateral relations under the framework of the long-standing strategic agreement between Iraq and the United States. This agreement outlines how both countries manage defense cooperation, including the presence, activities, and eventual withdrawal of US forces, as well as broader political and security coordination.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening military capabilities through training and institutional support for the Iraqi armed forces. The focus, according to official messaging, is on improving operational readiness and continuing capacity-building efforts as Iraq transitions its security arrangements.
The discussion comes against the backdrop of ongoing adjustments to the US military footprint in Iraq. In recent years, Washington and Baghdad have been working through a phased process to end the combat mission of the international coalition against ISIS, shifting instead toward a more advisory and partnership-based role. The first phase of that transition has already involved troop reductions, base handovers, and restructuring of the relationship toward bilateral security cooperation.
Overall, the latest contact signals continuity in US–Iraq defense relations, with both sides reaffirming their intent to maintain coordination while Iraq advances its political transition and evolves its security architecture.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
