On Thursday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the ceremony in Baghdad marking the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, and underlined that the relationship with the United States and other coalition countries will take on a new form.

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September 30, 2026, marked the official end of the U.S.-led international coalition’s military mission against ISIS in Iraq, under an agreement reached in 2024 between the Biden administration and Baghdad.

“We look forward to advancing our relations with the United States and Coalition member countries beyond the immediate requirements of the campaign against terrorism, toward a balanced and enduring partnership in security, economy, investment, energy, education, technology, and diplomacy,” he said. 

“Such a partnership should be founded on mutual interests, mutual respect, and full regard for the sovereignty of states. It should serve Iraq and all its components, while contributing to the consolidation of security and stability throughout the region.”

“The Iraqi Army, the Peshmerga, the Popular Mobilization Forces, along with all the armed and security forces, played a vital role in defending our homeland, making shared sacrifices and shedding their blood in its service,” he continued. 

“During that difficult period, and at the request of the Iraqi Government, the United States, the Global Coalition, and our friends stood alongside Iraq and provided assistance and support. We, all Iraqis, remember their support with appreciation.

“Today, as the Coalition forces depart Iraqi territory pursuant to the agreement concluded with the Federal Government, we will never forget their support and assistance. We will continue to appreciate it. At the same time, genuine gratitude must be expressed through Iraq’s assumption of full national responsibility for its own affairs.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani underlined that sovereignty is not ensured merely by the withdrawal of foreign military forces; it is a national responsibility.

“Sovereignty is not only the withdrawal of foreign military forces; it is an integrated national responsibility.”

“Sovereignty means that the state possesses the final decision. It means upholding the Constitution and the federal system and ensuring that constitutional institutions remain the recognized and binding reference for all.”

On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced June 30, 2027, as the deadline for bringing weapons of armed factions outside state control under government control. Previously, Baghdad set September 30 as the deadline, but later changed it amid pressure from armed factions and Iran.

“Iraq’s strength does not derive from weapons held outside state authority, nor from escalation or instability,” President Nechirvan Barzani said. “Iraq’s strength lies in addressing issues through dialogue and understanding. It lies in upholding the authority of the state and the Constitution, while safeguarding balance and the rights of all components.

“We in the Kurdistan Region will always be cooperative and supportive of every step that strengthens Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability,” he concluded. “We underscore the importance of strengthening cooperation among the Peshmerga, the Iraqi Army, and all armed and security forces.”