Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that United States forces will complete their withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of the U.S. military presence in the country under the current bilateral security arrangements.

Speaking during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, al-Zaidi stated that the withdrawal would coincide with a new phase in Iraq–U.S. relations focused on economic cooperation and investment.

President Trump confirmed the planned withdrawal, saying, "We don't think we need the military there anymore." The United States had previously maintained approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the international coalition conducting counter-Islamic State (ISIS) operations. That number has steadily declined in recent months, with remaining forces stationed primarily in Erbil, near Baghdad International Airport, and within Baghdad's Green Zone.

Prime Minister al-Zaidi emphasized that the withdrawal is linked to the Iraqi government's efforts to consolidate state authority over all armed groups. His government has indicated that the departure of U.S. forces is connected to plans to disarm influential Iran-backed militias operating outside the state's control.

Addressing the issue, al-Zaidi declared:

"On September 30, American forces will leave, and American companies will enter. After September 30, we will not allow any entity to bear arms outside the state."

The statement reflects Baghdad's intention to strengthen state institutions and ensure that the monopoly on the use of force rests exclusively with the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi prime minister's visit to Washington centered largely on expanding economic ties between the two countries, particularly in Iraq's oil, gas, and electricity sectors.

Al-Zaidi announced that Iraq and the United States are preparing to launch a new economic partnership aimed at increasing American investment and supporting Iraq's long-term development.

President Trump highlighted Iraq's significant energy resources, stating:

"We're going to be doing a lot of deals. We're going to create a lot of jobs for both countries, and we're going to be taking out a lot of oil."

No further details of the planned agreements were publicly disclosed during the meeting.