In a significant development, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani oversaw the inaugural meeting between Iraq and the United States to discuss the future of the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) within Iraqi borders.

The Iraqi Prime Minister's office released a statement indicating that the talks, part of the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC), aim to determine the timeline for the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq. However, the Pentagon, in contrast, clarified that it has not received any official request from the Iraqi government to withdraw its forces.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated, "We've received no request from the government of Iraq to withdraw our forces." She emphasized that the meeting is not a negotiation on the withdrawal of U.S. forces but rather a working group to shape the future bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Iraq, particularly in terms of security partnerships.

Singh further explained that the military commission is designed to facilitate the transition to an enduring bilateral security partnership between the two nations. Despite differing statements, Singh mentioned that Iraqi officials have expressed commitment to working together to determine the future of U.S. military presence and to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS.

The Iraqi government has been facing increasing pressure to expel international coalition forces from the country, particularly following retaliatory strikes by the U.S. on state-linked militia groups accused of launching attacks on U.S. interests. Approximately 100 members of the Iraqi parliament recently signed a petition urging a binding resolution to expel the U.S.-led coalition forces, labeling the foreign presence as a "threat" to Iraqi security.

This move comes in the context of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iraq, with American troops in the region being targeted by rocket and drone attacks by Iraqi militia groups. These attacks have been fueled by discontent over U.S. support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Washington has responded with airstrikes, drawing condemnation from Baghdad, which views these actions as violations of Iraq's sovereignty.

As the talks unfold, the international community watches closely, understanding the delicate balance Iraq faces in navigating its security concerns, popular sentiments, and diplomatic ties with the United States. The outcome of these discussions will likely have far-reaching implications for the stability of the region and the ongoing fight against ISIS.