By John Lee.
Iraq has declared full sovereignty following the complete withdrawal of international coalition forces from the country by land, air, and sea, with effect from 1 October 2026.
In a statement, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said the withdrawal marks the beginning of a new phase in which Iraq will operate as a fully sovereign state governed by its constitution and the principles of international law.
Full statement from Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi:
This unofficial translation is provided in good faith for general information only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Iraq Business News accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations.
Dear people of Iraq,
We congratulate you on this great day, 1st October 2026, and on the major national achievement of the conclusion of the International Coalition's mission in Iraq, the complete and final withdrawal of its forces (by land, air and sea), and the attainment of full and comprehensive Iraqi sovereignty.
The achievement of comprehensive national sovereignty is a great national accomplishment of which all Iraqis are proud. It was realised by the grace of God Almighty and through the prominent and important role of the Supreme Religious Authority, which roused Iraq's patriots to defend their country through the fatwa of collective-duty jihad (al-jihad al-kifa'i). That call was taken up by our loyal masses and the active forces among the sons of the Iraqi people, who formed the core of resistance among the faithful and the factions that played a role in launching the fight against Daesh, side by side with all the armed forces. These groups fulfilled their role at every difficult juncture our beloved homeland has faced.
The date of 1st October 2026 marks a serious beginning to addressing the issue of weapons outside state control and to meeting constitutional obligations, in accordance with a clear roadmap and an agreed timetable that will not extend beyond 30th June 2027. This is in line with the constitutional principle that decisions of war and peace rest with the constitutional authorities, and that any military action outside this framework is prohibited.
With the help of God Almighty and in accordance with the Constitution, the Government will work to fully disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi territory, in a manner that safeguards the country's security and stability and secures its borders.
The Iraqi Government affirms its constitutional commitment to preventing Iraqi territory and airspace from being used as a launch pad or corridor for any action that threatens the security of neighbouring countries. It likewise rejects the use of any country's territory or airspace for aggression against Iraq, on the basis of the principles of mutual sovereignty, good neighbourliness and non-interference in internal affairs.
The Iraqi Government will begin supporting the security institutions by purchasing a complete air defence system to strengthen the Iraqi state's full sovereignty over its airspace, and by enacting the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) Law to establish the PMF's position within the security system as an integral part of it, under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
As Iraq brings to a close this long period of wars, the fight against terrorism and violations of national sovereignty, together with the heavy sacrifices paid in the pure and precious blood of Iraqis, it looks forward to a new phase: achieving full national sovereignty, strengthening civil peace, stability and prosperity, directing the state's capabilities and resources towards sustainable development, improving citizens' lives and delivering necessary services, and building a safe and stable future for generations to come.
The first of October represents the start of a new chapter in Iraq's journey as a fully sovereign state, strong in its institutions, governed by the Constitution, the law and the principles of international law, and open to its regional and international surroundings through balanced relations based on shared interests and mutual respect.
Long live Iraq: free, dignified, capable and prosperous.
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.
Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi
Prime Minister
1st October 2026
(Source: Prime Minister's Office)
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