Iraq PM-designate, Pentagon chief talk security, training

Iraq’s incoming prime minister and the head of the Pentagon have held talks focused on strengthening defense ties and reactivating training programs for Iraqi forces. During a Wednesday phone call, Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed security cooperation under the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement, which governs the presence and activities of American troops in Iraq.

Training to boost Iraqi military capabilities

According to a statement from Zaidi’s office, Hegseth congratulated the Iraqi leader on being tasked with forming a new government. The two officials “discussed bilateral relations between the two countries across various fields, particularly security cooperation,” the statement read. They also affirmed “the special nature of the relationship” and stressed “the importance of working to strengthen cooperation in the field of training in order to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the Iraqi Armed Forces.” The call came days after US President Donald Trump congratulated Zaidi and invited him to Washington once Iraq’s next government is formed.

Transition from coalition to bilateral partnership

On Sept. 27, 2024, Baghdad and Washington announced a two-phase agreement to end the mission of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition inside Iraq. The first phase, completed in January, ended the coalition’s military mission, withdrew troops, handed over bases, and shifted to bilateral security partnerships focused on supporting Iraqi forces. The second phase continues until September 2025, with coalition operations in Syria to be conducted from a yet-to-be-determined platform inside Iraq.