![Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi chairs an expanded meeting at Ministry of Oil in Baghdad, Iraq on August 17, 2026. [Iraqi Prime Minister's Press Office - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AA-20260817-42236007-42236002-IRAQI_PRIME_MINISTER_ALI_ALZAIDI.jpg)
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has rejected a proposal to keep some international coalition forces in Iraq beyond Sept. 30, government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said Monday, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a press conference cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Aboudi said the government is continuing procedures and commitments to restrict weapons, regulate their use and unify decision-making. He said talks with factions are “proceeding regularly,” adding that the process will be completed before Sept. 30. “State decisions are built on the basis of national interests,” Al-Aboudi said, describing the talks as positive and adding that the next stage would be based on cooperation and mutual interests. He said Al-Zaidi rejected a proposal for some coalition forces to remain after Sept. […]
