Al-Araji: U.S. Forces to Remain in Iraq to Protect Embassy and Diplomatic Missions

Head of the Parliamentary Reconstruction and Development Bloc, Baha al-Araji, said on Sunday that some U.S. forces will remain in Iraq after the end of the international coalition’s military mission, stressing that their presence will be limited to protecting the U.S. Embassy, diplomatic missions, and American interests.

Al-Araji said Baghdad and Washington had agreed that September 30 would mark the end of the international coalition’s military presence in Iraq, emphasizing that the withdrawal of coalition forces should be distinguished from the continued presence of U.S. personnel assigned to protect diplomatic facilities.

Regarding the weapons issue, al-Araji said regulating and restricting arms to state institutions is an Iraqi decision, but cannot be implemented immediately. He noted that the process would require time and dialogue with armed factions to establish an appropriate mechanism.

The remarks come as Iraq approaches the September 30, 2026 deadline for ending the international coalition’s military presence, amid continued discussions over the future of armed factions and efforts to place weapons exclusively under the authority of state institutions.