US, Iraq continuing discussions on security cooperation: Pentagon

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US and Iraqi officials continue to hold talks on security cooperation, including the role of US service members on the ground in Iraq, the Pentagon said Monday.

"The US-Iraq Higher Military Commission executive working group continues to have their discussions,” Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said when asked by a reporter about the potential withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

“And so, when we get to the conclusion of those, we may have more to provide, but nothing to announce," he added.

His remarks came after some reports claimed the US and Iraq have reached a preliminary deal for the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026.

"The nature of these conversations are focused on transitioning from the global coalition for the enduring defeat of ISIS -- you know, the current structure -- to what does a longer-term US-Iraqi bilateral security relationship look like," Ryder said.

Stressing that the US highly valued Iraq as a partner, Ryder said Iraq plays a "very important" role in the region in terms of security and stability, particularly counterterrorism.

"And so, we need to allow the HMC the time and space to have those conversations," he added.

The Higher Military Commission (HMC) grew out of an April meeting between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in Washington.

The US currently has a military presence of about 2,500 personnel in Iraq as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve effort, according to the Pentagon.

"As part of the US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, we established the Higher Military Commission that will look at the transition of the global coalition into a long-term US-Iraq bilateral security cooperation relationship.

"Those conversations are ongoing," Ryder said.