Iraq affirms commitment to strengthening US ties under ‘any’ administration

BAGHDAD — Iraq respects the democratic choices of the American people and is open to strengthening ties with any U.S. administration, government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi said in an interview with Al-Hadath.

Al-Awadi described the recent call between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and President-elect Donald Trump as “very positive,” noting that both leaders expressed a commitment to advancing bilateral relations.

Emphasizing the stability of Iraqi-American ties, Al-Awadi outlined a framework of six foundational pillars governing cooperation between the two countries. He also reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to ending the international coalition mission by 2026.

Excerpts from Al-Awadi’s interview with AL-Hadath channel:

Iraq, both government and people, respects the democratic choices made by the American people, and the Iraqi government deals with any U.S. president, whether Democrat or Republican.

We are ready, open, and have no reservations about strengthening and developing our relationship with the United States. The call yesterday between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and President-elect Donald Trump was very positive, with both agreeing to enhance bilateral relations.

The Iraqi-American relationship is not managed based on what one side thinks without the other. A very solid framework has been established to structure relations between the two countries. This relationship rests on six pillars: the Strategic Framework Agreement, the Higher Military Council, the Relations Coordination and Organization Committee, the Joint Security Dialogue Committee, efforts by both foreign ministries, and representation by official bodies from both sides in all these committees rather than partisan entities. Therefore, every incoming American or Iraqi president is bound by these foundations.

Fluctuations in the bilateral relationship may arise due to crises that are not necessarily Iraqi; they could be regional, or linked to internal crises within Iraq.

Regarding the American and foreign presence in Iraq, I reiterate that we have an agreement to end the mission of the international coalition in Iraq. This agreement, based on a high-level committee, outlines that Iraq is bound by previously established arrangements. The first phase concludes in September 2025, with the mission fully ending by 2026.