On Wednesday, the official authorities in Baghdad are preparing to end the mission of the international coalition to fight ISIS, with the departure of foreign forces led by the United States.
The security authorities in the country confirm that the process of withdrawal of these forces has been completed from most of the sites and camps where the American forces and international coalition forces were located, including the “Harir” camp in the Kurdistan region.
However, members of the Iraqi parliament are talking about the possibility of American soldiers remaining, according to the fact that “the agreement signed by the Iraqi government in 2024 with Washington stipulates the withdrawal of international coalition forces and not American forces,” which sources deny and confirm that the withdrawal includes all forces.
The Iraqi authorities named “Sovereignty Day” on September 30, which coincides with the departure of the international coalition forces.
The government of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had previously named the date of June 30, 2009, “National Sovereignty Day” on the occasion of the withdrawal of American forces from cities and towns and the handover of the security file to the Iraqi forces. Then, it renamed the date “Loyalty Day” to the complete American withdrawal from Iraqi territory at the end of 2011.
Amid Kurdish fears about the withdrawal process and the potential security risks that may result from it, in addition to popular indifference, the official authorities are treating the event with interest as a date for “complementing national sovereignty and strengthening independence.” In addition to the state of welcome and satisfaction declared by the armed factions loyal to Iran with this event.
Although routine life continues normally in Baghdad and most governorates, the government authorities sought to devote a kind of joy and attention to the day of withdrawal by suspending official working hours in government departments and institutions for 4 days, starting Wednesday and ending next Saturday.
“Festive atmosphere”
Government sources spoke of “remembrance vigils for the martyrs of Iraq,” in addition to celebrations and campaigns to promote the occasion conducted by official institutions, channels, and newspapers.
The official news agency quoted representatives and officials as “praising the day of withdrawal,” and a member of the House of Representatives, Nasser Turki, said, “(September 30) represents an important historical day, which is the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Iraq, and this will reflect positively on attracting foreign investment opportunities, and the state’s strategic plans will be based on work in the service, economic, industrial and agricultural fields and taking into account the interests of its people.”
The head of the Security Media Authority, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, said, “Sovereignty Day represents a new page for Iraq’s relations with the countries of the world, based on common interests in accordance with Iraq’s vision and the interest of its people. It reflects the ability of the state and its institutions to bear the responsibility of protecting the country and facing security challenges, in a way that enhances the citizen’s confidence in the security and military institutions.”
He added, “The more sovereignty is established; The security decision has become more unified and clear, and the ability of the security services to enforce the law and protect citizens has been strengthened.”
Maan stressed that “confining weapons to the state, and applying the law to everyone, contribute to enhancing the state’s prestige and internal stability, and this is a governmental necessity and a priority in the governmental approach, in a way that enhances societal stability and peace.”
He stated that “the security and military services have an essential role in strengthening the authority of the state, especially by combating terrorism, protecting borders, and maintaining internal security.”
Maan believes that “Sovereignty Day will contribute to strengthening Iraq’s ability to attract local, regional and international investments and maintain the protection of the security of those investments by enhancing the prestige of the state and imposing the rule of law on all security, political, financial and economic sectors.”
So far, Baghdad has shown a consistent position regarding not allowing Iranian airlines to land at Iraqi airports, in response to US Treasury Department sanctions, but groups allied with Tehran are pushing to overthrow the government and close Iraq's land ports with neighboring countries.
The Iraqi government recalled the issue of Tehran not granting an exception to Iraq regarding the passage of its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, in an effort to respond to the ongoing escalation and threat campaigns launched by pro-Iranian militias against Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, and its continued pressure to allow Iranian aircraft to land at Iraqi airports, according to sources.
The US authorities issued limited exemptions for an Iraqi airline’s flight exclusively between Iran and Najaf Airport, while the Ministry of Transport announced that flights would be operated unilaterally.
Ban and international companies
Although the government places responsibility on the regulations and the international system regarding the Iranian flight ban, “the government is able to adapt these regulations in favor of allowing Iranian flights to land at Iraqi airports, because it has sovereignty over its airspace,” according to a former official in the Ministry of Transport.
The official told Asharq Al-Awsat, “The government is relying on international aviation regulations to pass its position of being committed to the sanctions with the American decision.”
Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi also confirmed that “the government did not decide to ban Iranian flights,” noting that “airports are an international system similar to the oil sector, linked to global determinants, and if any of them (international) airports is isolated, it turns into a mere (garage).”
Al-Aboudi added, in press statements, that “the international system includes companies that provide various services, including handling, monitoring, and insurance, in addition to the safety of the air and passengers.”
He pointed out that “the companies linked to the global system, which operate in Baghdad and Basra airports, have a presence in at least 200 airports in the world, and have financial accounts and deal in dollars, which made them retreat from providing services to Iranian companies to avoid American sanctions.”
Hezbollah threats
Despite official clarifications, the threat campaigns launched by armed factions against the government have not stopped since stopping Iranian flights to Iraqi airports.
Hundreds of faction supporters went out in a demonstration in front of the Najaf airport gate on Monday, denouncing the ban and demanding that it be lifted and not comply with American conditions.
Factions have also threatened strict measures if the Iranian air ban continues, and the Hezbollah Brigades, which serves as a spearhead, stand out among the most extremist factions in this context.
The security official for the Hezbollah Brigades, Abu Mujahid Al-Assaf, threatened Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to topple his government if the Iranian aviation ban was not lifted.
Al-Assaf said in a statement: “Let Al-Zaidi and those behind him know that a government that does not work for the benefit of the people will work to bring down it in various ways.”
He added: “If the air embargo on Iran continues after October 1, 2026, our people will have a clear position that may amount to closing the outlets of the countries participating in the siege of the Iranian people.”
Regarding the factions’ threats, Firas Elias, professor of political science at the University of Mosul, said that these pressures “are not only related to aviation and confiscating weapons, but rather to preserving Tehran’s influence and its Iraqi cards at a sensitive moment of negotiation with Washington.” On the other hand, Iraq cannot ignore American pressure, especially when it entails direct economic and security costs.
Treasury exemptions
At the height of the Iranian escalation against Baghdad, the US Treasury Department issued, on Tuesday, a special license to the Iraqi Airlines Company, allowing it to conduct the usual and necessary transactions to operate passenger transportation services between Iraq and Iran, through Najaf Airport, within the framework of specific conditions and restrictions.
Given the strict conditions contained in the license, some believe that Iran and its factions will continue their pressure and threats to the Iraqi government.
According to the text of the license, the authorization allows Iraqi Airlines, its service providers, and American persons working on its behalf to carry out the transactions necessary to operate flights between the two countries, which were previously permitted under the provisions of the Iran-related Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and the General License, before those provisions were suspended.
The license expires upon completion of the authorized transactions or on October 28, 2026, with the Treasury reserving the right to revoke or amend it at any time.
The license specified a narrow scope for the permitted flights, stipulating that they depart from Najaf International Airport only and return to it, and that they be limited to transporting Iranian passengers for religious tourism purposes.
It also prohibited the transfer of bulk cash, shipments intended for Iranian intelligence, military, or law enforcement agencies, and any prohibited persons, including members of the Iranian government, or militia members allied with Iran.
Sources close to the government indicated that the Al-Zaidi government had asked the American side to grant an exception to Iraq to resume some flights between Iraq and Iran, especially those related to transporting patients, students, and visitors to religious shrines. Following the US exemption decision, the Ministry of Transport announced that it had obtained a special exception for Iraqi Airlines to operate its flights to Iran, in preparation for the resumption of flights during next October.
A statement from the ministry stated that the efforts of Iraqi officials succeeded “in obtaining a special exception for Iraqi Airlines to operate its flights to Iran,” which means that the flight route will be from the Iraqi side, and at Najaf airport only, and the ban on Iranian flights remains in place.
The positions of President Joseph Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri came together during their meetings with US Congressmen Darin Lahoud and Josh Gottheimer, and what resulted from the meetings held by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Washington, on a set of basic topics related to the situation in the south, the role of the United States in pressuring Israel and supporting the Lebanese army, in addition to the path of economic, financial and political reforms.
While President Joseph Aoun and Speaker of the House of Representatives Nabih Berri focused on the need to oblige Israel to implement the agreements and stop its operations in the south, Salam from Washington stressed the paths of internal reform and extending state authority, linking the success of the state-building project to its ability to provide a future for the Lebanese, especially the youth.
Aoun: Washington is required to pressure Israel to implement the “Framework Agreement”
During his meeting with Lahoud and Gottheimer, President Aoun stressed that Lebanon attaches great importance to the United States to put pressure on Israel and force it to implement the “framework agreement” that was reached as a result of the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington.
Aoun stressed, according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency, that Lebanon is committed to fully implementing the agreement, while Israel continues to not abide by its provisions, stressing the need to stop the acts of bombing, bulldozing, and destruction in the southern villages occupied by Israel. He considered that activating the agreement requires accelerating the completion of the return of Lebanese prisoners, correcting the disputed points along the Blue Line, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, in parallel with the deployment of the army all the way to the internationally recognized southern border.
The President of the Republic warned that the continued delay in implementing the agreement will maintain tension in the south and hinder the state’s ability to extend its authority over its entire southern territory, remove armed manifestations, and return the displaced to their villages and towns. He also presented to the delegation the importance of providing the necessary capabilities to the Lebanese Army, in light of the multiple tasks it undertakes. From combating terrorism, smuggling, and preserving borders to protecting institutions and maintaining civil peace.
On the internal side, Aoun affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing financial, economic and judicial reforms, pointing to laws approved in this framework, including amending the banking secrecy law, restructuring banks and the media law, in addition to working to complete the reform path.
For his part, Lahoud considered that Lebanon has an opportunity to restore stability to the country and the region, stressing that the United States will continue to help Lebanon and its army through military aid provided by the American administration with the approval of Congress.
Berri: Washington has the ability to put pressure, and Israel is the “main obstacle”
For his part, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri focused before the American delegation on the continuation of Israeli operations in Lebanon, considering that the main obstacle to implementing the agreement to stop the war is Israel’s failure to adhere to the obligations of the agreements concluded to end the war.
Berri reiterated that the US administration and President Donald Trump are capable of exerting pressure to oblige Israel to stop its war on Lebanon, warning that its continuation will affect the efforts made for the state and its institutions to carry out their roles, according to the statement of the Presidency of Parliament.
Berri praised the aid provided to the Lebanese army, but at the same time stressed the need to avoid non-renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), considering that there is still time to avoid this step. He also stressed, during a meeting with a British military delegation, the importance of having an international umbrella, under the United Nations flag, for any force assisting the Lebanese army after the Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories.
In the same context, Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri presented before Berri a documented report on what he described as crimes committed by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, for Berri to confirm that Lebanon’s right to prosecute Israel for these crimes is a “sovereign right” that may not be waived.
Peace in Washington: State Reform, Sovereignty, and the Return of Youth
In parallel, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam continued his meetings in Washington, where he discussed with US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant the economic and financial relations between the two countries, the path of financial and banking reforms, in addition to negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and cooperation with the World Bank, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Salam presented the steps the government is taking to address the repercussions of the financial crisis and rebuild the banking sector. He also requested US support for the path of reform and economic recovery. The research also addressed efforts to combat the monetary economy, enhance transparency and compliance, and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, in a way that helps rebuild confidence in the Lebanese financial sector.
In a meeting with Lebanese youth in Washington, Salam linked internal reform to the full sovereignty of the state, stressing that the state-building project is based on two interconnected paths, stressing that “there is no state with two armies, and no state with two decisions.” He also stressed that the government is continuing with reform and extending state authority over the entire Lebanese territory.
Salam said that the government’s success is not measured only by the number of laws and projects, but rather by its ability to build a country in which young people see an opportunity for their future, calling for the return of Lebanese from abroad to become “an option, not a sacrifice.” He stressed the necessity of establishing a state that respects its citizens and provides a reliable judiciary, a productive economy, and effective administration, calling on the Lebanese abroad to remain part of Lebanon through their experiences, investments, and relationships, stressing: “Hold us accountable for the work, hold us accountable for the result.”
