In a show of unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and preventing any resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) in the region, the United States Department of Defense has emphasized its dedication to collaboration with Iraqi and Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces. This resolute stance was underscored during a crucial meeting between a delegation from Iraq, led by Minister of Defense Thabit al-Abbasi, and a US delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander.

The joint statement released after the meeting highlighted the comprehensive partnership between the two nations, aligned with the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. Minister al-Abbasi engaged in discussions with top US officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, representatives from the Joint Staff, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, US Central Command, State Department, and National Security Council.

Central to the discussions was the review of shared challenges and opportunities for cooperation, with a primary focus on the remarkable achievements of the Defeat-ISIS campaign. Both sides affirmed their joint cooperation with the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga, and a shared commitment to regional stability.

The delegates, from both the US and Iraq, reiterated their steadfast dedication to enhancing Iraq's security and defense capabilities. This commitment translates into a vigorous advancement of security cooperation across multiple areas, all aimed at bolstering Iraq's security, sovereignty, and regional stability.

The meeting's significance was emphasized by its place within the evolving bilateral strategic partnership, building upon the foundation of past dialogues such as the July 2021 US-Iraq Strategic Dialogue and the February 2023 US-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee.

A critical aspect of the reaffirmed partnership is the continued absence of US forces with combat roles in Iraq. US military personnel remain in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government for the purpose of training, advising, assisting, and intelligence-sharing in support of Iraq's ongoing fight against IS.

The strategic cooperation dialogue also encompassed the pivotal role of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), which provides operational assistance, training, advising, and intelligence-sharing to the Iraqi Security Forces. Deliberations further extended to the imperative need to repatriate displaced individuals and detainees from northeast Syria to their home nations, promoting reintegration efforts within local communities.

Looking ahead, both the United States and Iraq are poised to engage in consultations to chart a future trajectory. This trajectory will define the evolution of the Coalition's military mission, accounting for variables such as the IS threat, operational necessities, environmental factors, and the capabilities of Iraqi security forces. To guide this process, the two delegations have committed to establishing a higher military commission tasked with assessing the future course.

Efforts to enhance the institutional capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces through U.S. military assistance and security cooperation programs were also discussed, including Foreign Military Financing and Foreign Military Sales.

In a demonstration of mutual respect for Iraq's sovereignty and security, both nations reiterated that US forces remain in Iraq solely at the invitation of the Iraqi government. This invitation serves to reinforce the counter-ISIS efforts of the Iraqi Security Forces. Iraq's government echoed its dedication to ensuring the protection of US and Global Coalition personnel, advisors, convoys, and diplomatic premises.

As the fight against terrorism remains an ongoing and crucial endeavor, the reaffirmed commitment between the United States and Iraq marks a significant step forward in fostering regional stability and upholding shared security interests.