Baghdad and Washington Discuss Regional Stability and Arms Control as Iraqi Factions Set Deadline for US Troop Withdrawal

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with the new US Chargé d'Affaires to Iraq, Steven Fagin, to review domestic political and security developments, the government formation process, and state efforts to bring arms under strictly official control.

The meeting highlighted the impact of regional tensions, US sanctions on Iran, and potential maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on the oil-dependent Iraqi economy. Both sides also discussed post-conflict regional relations with neighboring and Gulf states, alongside frameworks for regional stability.

In a parallel development, Akram al-Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Al-Nujaba Movement, designated September 30 as a critical deadline to verify the complete withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, warning of renewed military escalation if foreign troops remain beyond that date.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee established by the Coordination Framework continued negotiations with armed groups to diffuse tensions and support state measures on disarmament. Representatives expressed confidence that ongoing dialogue would resolve the non-state weapons issue peacefully by the end of the month.