On August 12, 2026, the Iraqi Prime Minister's Press Office issued a statement stating that Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi reiterated that September 30, 2026, was the final deadline for the US led international coalition forces to end their military mission in Iraq and complete their withdrawal.

The statement said that Zaidi reiterated the above position during his meeting with Commander Cooper of the US Central Command in Baghdad. He stated that on October 1, 2026, Iraq will embark on a new chapter in its national development path, by which time it will completely rid itself of all foreign military presence and exercise full national sovereignty over its own territory.  

The statement said that during the meeting between Zaidi and Cooper, both sides emphasized that Iran US relations will shift towards a partnership in the fields of economy, development, and security based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common interests. Zaidi also emphasized that fully bringing weapons under state control in accordance with the law is a necessary prerequisite for consolidating national sovereignty, ensuring security and stability, and promoting Iraq's progress towards a new stage of development and prosperity.Editor/Min Jing