In a statement on the withdrawal of the U.S.-led Coalition from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on Wednesday, President Masoud Barzani underlined that the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are ready to defend the Kurdistan Region in coordination with Baghdad.

“Regarding the Kurdistan Region, some — whether out of genuine concern or driven by ill intent and misguided analysis — believe that the departure of the Coalition forces will leave the Region vulnerable and threaten its very existence,” President Barzani said. 

“I wish to reassure the beloved people of Kurdistan that there is strong coordination with the Federal Government of Iraq to confront any threat or danger, whether it emerges under the name of ISIS or any other name.

“The Kurdistan Peshmerga forces — deeply rooted in the history of Kurdistan’s liberation struggle and born of the blood of martyrs and the tears of their mothers — will endure. In full coordination with Iraq’s federal forces, the Peshmerga stand ready to defend the country, safeguard its stability, and eliminate every threat and danger,” he added.

His statements come on the official end of the Coalition mission, in line with an agreement reached between the Iraqi government and the United States in 2024, with an official ceremony taking place in Baghdad.

“As is widely known, under the agreement between the Coalition forces and the Federal Government of Iraq, today, September 30, 2026, marks the conclusion of the Coalition forces’ mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” President Barzani said.

Last year, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Coordinator for International Advocacy Dindar Zebari announced that 1,814 Peshmerga were killed during the war to defeat ISIS, with 10,725 wounded and 44 still missing.

“Throughout the fight against terrorism and the efforts to restore and strengthen stability in Iraq, the Coalition forces supported both the Iraqi and Peshmerga forces. During their mission, they provided extensive assistance and made great sacrifices,” President Barzani underlined. 

“Following the conclusion of this mission, the Federal Government of Iraq and the KRG may, as circumstances require, enter into bilateral agreements with Coalition countries to help preserve stability.

“On this occasion, we express our profound gratitude for the dedication and efforts of the Coalition forces. Their vital role in defeating ISIS and restoring stability in Iraq deserves the highest appreciation and respect. We also honor the sacred memory of the martyrs among the Peshmerga, Iraqi, and Coalition forces. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”