Iraq's premier rejects post-2026 presence of US-led coalition forces

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Ziaai has rejected a proposal to allow the US-led international coalition forces to remain in Iraq after the September 30, 2026 deadline, his office said. A prime ministerial spokesperson said Ziaai had publicly declared his position on the matter. The government is pushing for the end of any foreign military presence on Iraqi soil, with the spokesperson framing the rejection of the proposal as consistent with the principle of sovereignty. The coalition was deployed to support Iraq's efforts against ISIS. The prime minister's stance aligns with a planned gradual withdrawal of the forces by the end of 2026. No further details on next steps in the negotiations were immediately available.