Iraq hails US Congress vote to repeal 1991 and 2002 war authorizations

The Iraqi government has officially welcomed a vote by the United States Congress to repeal the authorizations for the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Baghdad described the move as a pivotal step in reshaping its legal relationship with Washington and closing a long chapter of conflict.

A 'fundamental turning point' for bilateral relations

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said it viewed the congressional action "with great pleasure." The repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is embedded within the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and now awaits President Donald Trump's signature. The ministry characterized the decision as a "fundamental turning point" that lays the groundwork for a new bilateral framework "based on respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and the closure of the legacy of war."

Counterterrorism cooperation and the Soleimani precedent

The Iraqi statement was careful to note that the repeal does not affect counterterrorism efforts, as the separate 2001 AUMF enacted after the 9/11 attacks remains in force. This distinction aims to preserve cooperation against groups like Daesh/ISIS. The 2002 AUMF had been controversially cited by the Trump administration as legal justification for the 2020 drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, an act that severely strained US-Iraq ties.

Legislative process and regional implications

The $901 billion NDAA passed the Senate by a 77-20 vote after earlier House approval. For Iraq, the repeal symbolizes a long-sought formal end to the legal underpinnings of wars that defined decades of turmoil. This development is significant for regional stability and is observed by neighboring countries, including Türkiye, which maintains strategic ties with both Baghdad and Washington and supports initiatives that strengthen Iraqi sovereignty and contribute to a stable, secure Middle East.