Al-Sudani, US CENTCOM chief discuss implementing 2024 joint statement

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Tuesday with Admiral Brad Cooper, the new commander of U.S. Central Command, to review progress on the implementation of the September 2024 Joint Statement between Iraq and the United States.

Al-Sudani’s office said the talks “included discussions on the progress made in the war on terrorism, and the follow-up on the implementation of the Joint Statement issued in September 2024, with emphasis on the commitment to all provisions of the agreement.”

Under the joint statement, Iraq and the United States agreed to conclude the military mission of the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Iraq by the end of September 2025, transitioning to a bilateral security partnership focused on supporting Iraqi forces and continuing pressure on ISIS.

Full statement from Al Sudani’s office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani today, Tuesday, met with the new Commander of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

The meeting included discussions on various security and military aspects between Iraq and the United States, the progress made in the war on terrorism, and the follow-up on the implementation of the Joint Statement issued in September 2024, with emphasis on the commitment to all provisions of the agreement.

The two sides stressed the importance of continuing dialogue on joint security cooperation at the bilateral level between Iraq and the United States, as well as exchanging views on aspects of the bilateral partnership and ways to enhance it.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani pointed out that the partnership between Iraq and the United States has yielded important results that serve the interests of both countries and has contributed to strengthening security and stability locally, regionally, and internationally.

For his part, Admiral Cooper praised Iraq’s role as a model of successful cooperation in combating terrorism, reiterating his commitment to build on the achievements made and to continue security cooperation and strengthen strategic communication in the coming period.

Media Office of the Prime Minister

September 2, 2025