From bases to companies: Iraqi-American relations enter a new economic phase
Iraqi-American relations are heading towards reshaping Washington's presence in Iraq as the mission of the international coalition nears its end, amid an increasing shift from military cooperation to the economy, investment, financial and diplomatic matters.
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The transformations taking place in the Iraqi arena indicate that the relationship between Baghdad and Washington is entering a new phase as the mission of the international coalition nears its end, with the United States moving towards reducing its military presence and expanding its economic, financial and diplomatic influence.
The military withdrawal does not mean the end of the American presence in Iraq, as the next phase opens the door to broader economic and investment partnerships, after years in which bases, forces and security files dominated the relationship between the two countries.
Iraqi observer Hisham Wasim believes that American moves will be more focused on the economy and investment, especially with the end of the military presence, noting that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington and his meeting with the US President witnessed the presentation of agreements and understandings in multiple economic and investment fields.
Wassim says that al-Zaidi’s call for foreign countries and companies to invest in Iraq reflects a trend towards expanding economic partnerships, adding that Washington now views the economy and investment as key aspects of its relationship with Baghdad after the military file was closed.
It appears that Washington is not preparing to leave Iraq as much as it is working to change the tools of its presence there, moving from bases and forces to contracts, companies, the financial system and diplomatic relations.
Post-military withdrawal
In this context, Youssef Al-Saadi explains that the American side is dealing differently with the post-military withdrawal phase and the end of the foreign presence in Iraq, noting that this shift has begun to appear through contracts, agreements, protocols and memoranda of understanding with American companies.
Al-Saadi points out that Al-Zidi’s first visit to Washington witnessed the signing of more than fifty memoranda of understanding and joint cooperation with American companies, considering that these agreements reflect the expansion of the economic dimension in the relationship between Baghdad and Washington.
With the decline of the foreign military presence, economic, investment and diplomatic issues appear poised to take center stage in the coming period, without this implying the absence of security and political issues that are still strongly present in the relationship between the two countries.
The issue of restricting weapons remains one of the most prominent tests facing the al-Zaidi government, as the failure to resolve it may affect the confidence of the American administration in the pledges made by Baghdad, and may push Washington to link the expansion of economic and financial cooperation to tangible Iraqi steps to control weapons and provide a stable environment for companies.
The deadline for the withdrawal of the remaining forces from the international coalition is linked to the end of September 2026, and arrangements for the redeployment of forces and the evacuation of military sites and bases will continue during the transitional phase.
Thus, the relationship between Baghdad and Washington enters a phase based on less visible influence and more focused on economics, finance, and investment. However, its success will remain contingent on the ability of al-Zaidi's government to fulfill its security commitments and translate the signed agreements into tangible projects within Iraq.
The meeting of the presidencies sets timetables for the inventory of weapons and ties the decision of peace and war to the state.
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The meeting of the presidencies on Monday affirmed that the decision of peace and war is the sole prerogative of the state and its constitutional and legal institutions, announcing an agreement to set governmental timetables to address the issue of loose weapons and control them in accordance with legislative frameworks, in a way that guarantees the country’s sovereignty and the unity of national decision-making.
The statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Office, which was received by (Al-Mada), stated that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met with President Nizar Amidi, Speaker of Parliament Hebat Al-Halbousi, and Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zaidan to discuss security and economic developments.
The participants stressed their support for the Iraqi request to exempt Najaf Airport from US Treasury measures, emphasizing the need to expedite the completion of the cabinet and to mobilize judicial and executive efforts to combat corruption, in addition to taking precautionary measures to spare the national economy the consequences of regional tensions and to establish a new phase that transcends international withdrawal towards expanded economic partnerships.
Maliki's coalition reveals a "decisive breakthrough" in the Zaidi cabinet crisis
The State of Law Coalition revealed on Monday that the process of completing the cabinet of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has reached a final stage of resolution, predicting that the matter will be fully settled within the next week or two at the latest.
Coalition leader Jassim Mohammed Jaafar told the Information Agency that "the ongoing political activity has led to advanced understandings, with political blocs intending to submit their lists of candidates to the Prime Minister within the next few days, paving the way for a vote in Parliament."
He added that "the State of Law Coalition has decided to include the names of its previous nominees for the Ministries of Interior and Higher Education and Scientific Research within a list that includes other new names," emphasizing that "the final selection and ranking of candidates will remain with the Prime Minister to finalize the cabinet formation."
It is worth noting that the State of Law Coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, is still insisting on nominating Qasim Atta for the Interior Ministry and Amer al-Khuza'i for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry.
The Prime Minister and the head of the State of Law Coalition affirm their support for the government's efforts in combating corruption and achieving reforms.
they showed this on tv too
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Kamel al-Maliki, stressed on Tuesday the importance of continuing understandings and dialogues between national political forces to complete the formation of the government and support the government’s efforts in combating corruption.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by (Mawazin News) that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received, today, Tuesday, the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki, and they reviewed the most prominent developments in the country, and stressed the need to strengthen national unity to overcome the current challenges, and to support the government’s efforts in implementing its program, in a way that helps secure service requirements and achieve comprehensive development.”
He added that "during the meeting, emphasis was placed on the importance of continuing understandings and dialogues between national political forces to complete the formation of the government, and to support the government's efforts in combating corruption, achieving reforms, and consolidating stability."
They discussed completing the government formation.
Al-Maliki visits Al-Zaidi: We support your efforts in combating corruption and strengthening unity.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi met on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) with the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, to discuss the latest political developments in the country. The two sides focused on mechanisms to support government efforts in combating corruption and reform, as well as the importance of completing the cabinet formation through dialogue and understandings between national forces.
Al-Zaydi’s office stated in a statement received by Network 964 that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi received, on Tuesday, the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Kamel al-Maliki.
The meeting witnessed a review of the most prominent developments in the country, and an emphasis on the need to strengthen national unity to overcome current challenges, and to support the government’s efforts in implementing its program, which will help secure service requirements and achieve comprehensive development.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the importance of continuing understandings and dialogues between national political forces to complete the formation of the government, and to support the government’s efforts in combating corruption, achieving reforms, and consolidating stability.
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"Al-Maalomah" reveals the contents of an American message to the Barzani government... What does it contain?
A responsible source in Sulaymaniyah province revealed on Tuesday the contents of an American message to the Kurdistan Regional Government, which he said included Washington’s options regarding the region’s status during the next phase.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Masoud Barzani’s government received a message carried by US envoy Tom Barak, which included two options with no third alternative: the first is to integrate the region’s forces with the regular forces under the supervision of the federal government, and the second is to stop the financial aid provided by Washington to the regional government, in addition to stopping the air support provided to the Peshmerga forces and protecting the region’s airspace from external attacks.”
The source indicated that "the gist of the message confirms that the Barzani government has no option but to respond to the demands of the Trump administration regarding the integration of Kurdish forces of all kinds into the regular forces, without any restrictions or conditions."
He indicated that "the US administration threatened dire consequences that the Barzani government might bear if the message's contents were not implemented on the ground."
President Barzani Discusses Iraq's Political Future in Al-Sharqiya Interview
President Masoud Barzani discusses Iraq's political and security situation, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and Middle East changes in an interview with Al-Sharqiya.
President Masoud Barzani offered an extensive assessment of Iraq’s political and security situation, the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people, the US-Iran war, and the future of the region in an interview with Al Sharqiya, warning that Iraq’s political system could face collapse if the country fails to return to the principles of coexistence and respect for the constitution.
President Barzani said Iraq’s constitutional institutions do not govern the country as they should, arguing that “parallel mini-states” hold power instead. He warned that Iraq must return to the foundations of coexistence and constitutional implementation to preserve the country’s political system.
President Barzani said the fall of the former Iraqi regime in 2003 opened a new phase in the Kurdish people’s struggle, during which the Kurdistan Parliament endorsed federalism as a means of building a new Iraq.
He said a large part of the aspirations and struggle of the Kurdish people had been achieved, but not all of them.
President Barzani described federalism as the fair distribution of power and wealth, but said many officials in Baghdad do not believe in this principle and that a culture of centralized rule remains dominant.
He warned that Iraq had already tested centralized rule through what he described as “iron, fire, chemical weapons, and Anfal,” which ultimately failed and led to the regime’s collapse.
“Centralized rule was previously tested through iron, fire, chemical weapons, and Anfal, and it failed and collapsed. Therefore, any other authority that resorts to the same methods will inevitably meet the same fate,” President Barzani said.
President Barzani said that following 2003, an agreement was reached to build the new Iraq on three main principles: partnership, balance, and consensus.
He said the constitution was written in that spirit but that these principles had not been implemented in practice.
“We face a strange situation. We agree on and sign the government program, but once the government is formed, the constitution and agreements are forgotten, and personal whims become the decision-maker,” President Barzani said.
He also described the constitution as a roadmap for resolving all outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, saying that if it were accepted as an arbiter and mediator, many disputes could be resolved relatively easily.
President Barzani identified the spread of drugs as another major threat to Iraq’s future, alongside corruption and unlicensed weapons.
He said the expansion of drug-related activity could pose a greater danger to the country’s future than either corruption or unlicensed weapons.
Regarding Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s ability to bring weapons under state control, President Barzani said the prime minister could not accomplish the task alone and needed genuine support from the Coordination Framework.
“The prime minister cannot accomplish this task alone. He needs genuine support from the Coordination Framework. They appear to support him, but implementing this issue is very difficult,” President Barzani said.
He expressed hope that the issue would not escalate into internal fighting or confrontation, saying such a conflict would serve neither Iraq nor the Kurdistan Region, nor benefit any side.
President Barzani said he did not believe the issue of unlicensed weapons could easily be resolved even after the Sept. 30 deadline or if it were extended until June 30, 2027.
He attributed the difficulty to individuals who benefit from the existing situation and are unwilling to relinquish their weapons.
President Barzani said the important issue was ensuring that weapons are controlled and used only on the orders of the commander-in-chief, rather than allowing individuals to act according to their own wishes.
“If this is resolved, it will be a success for all of Iraq and for the armed groups themselves,” he said.
He also warned of the consequences of pressure from Washington, saying that failure to resolve the issue could result in US sanctions against Iraq, creating major difficulties and international isolation.
He said resolving the issue peacefully, whether in relation to Iran or any other party, would serve Iraq’s higher interests.
Asked whether an agreement between Washington and Tehran could end the dispute over weapons in Iraq, President Barzani said Iraq’s situation was fundamentally and directly linked to how the war between the United States and Iran ends.
President Barzani expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of US and coalition forces, comparing the situation with the withdrawal in 2011.
He recalled asking Abdul Qader al-Obeidi, who was then defense minister, and Jawad al-Bolani, who was then interior minister, whether Iraq had the ability to defend itself. According to President Barzani, they responded that they did not even have the capacity to protect a single police station.
“The Americans withdrew, and as a result, the catastrophe of ISIS’s arrival occurred in 2014. I am still afraid of a repetition of the same scenario,” President Barzani said.
He recalled that in 2014 the Iraqi government asked the United States, European countries, and NATO for assistance, arguing that the coalition’s air support had been essential to defeating ISIS.
President Barzani said ISIS had suffered a major defeat but remained a real threat.
“The international forces came at the formal request of the Iraqi government and for a specific purpose, which is to assist the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces against ISIS. But now some believe that ISIS has completely ended and that these forces no longer need to remain. I hope their assessment is correct and that Iraq does not face another catastrophe,” he said.
President Barzani issued a warning to those opposing the United States, saying that if Washington simply stopped sending dollars to Iraq, the country would be unable to pay salaries within two or three months.
He challenged those advocating confrontation with Washington to explain what they would do under such circumstances, particularly given Iraq’s dependence on oil revenues.
President Barzani also reiterated his support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, describing him as a young man with good and genuine intentions.
He said the Kurdistan Region had fully cooperated with Zaidi in combating corruption and had handed over to Baghdad individuals accused of stealing money who had come to the region.
Responding to questions about continued attacks, President Barzani strongly condemned the strikes and said the Kurdistan Region had no part in the US-Iran war.
He said more than 1,000 missiles and drones had nevertheless been directed toward the region, describing the attacks as a source of astonishment and something he strongly condemned.
Regarding Iran’s internal situation, President Barzani said any change in Iran should come through the Iranian people themselves rather than through foreign intervention.
President Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights, particularly Article 140.
“Article 140 is a living constitutional article. It does not expire, and we will not relinquish it,” President Barzani said.
Regarding the oil and gas law, he said a model draft had been prepared in 2007 with the assistance of international experts, but that Iraq’s then-oil minister rejected it because of what President Barzani described as racist rhetoric directed against the Kurdish people.
President Barzani said Articles 111 and 112 of the Iraqi Constitution establish that oil belongs to all the peoples of Iraq, adding that the Kurdistan Region supports joint management in accordance with the constitution.
He also addressed the Kurdistan Region’s share of the federal budget, saying it should be determined according to the census.
Excluding the disputed territories, President Barzani said the Kurdistan Region’s actual share should be between 14 and 14.5 percent and should be fixed accordingly.
President Barzani described the process of unifying the Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga as a historic and national step.
Addressing Kurds in Syria, he said:
“The Kurds in Syria are a dear part of our body. They must be protected, and we must support them through mutual understanding with the Damascus government so that they can consolidate their situation.”
President Barzani also offered what he described as a historical lesson, stressing the importance of self-reliance rather than dependence solely on external powers.
“If you do not trust yourself and rely only on external power, even if it is America, a day will come when it leaves you. What matters is relying on your own strength,” he said.
President Barzani stressed the importance of protecting Iraq’s dignity and sovereignty, saying Iraqis themselves should make decisions regarding their country’s sovereignty and be prepared to say no when necessary.
Despite the complexity and challenges facing Iraq and the wider region, President Barzani concluded the interview on an optimistic note.
“Despite all the complexities and challenges, I have always been and remain optimistic about the future,” he said.
The head of the Iraqi Trade Bank emphasizes the importance of raising the level of banking operations.
The head of the Iraqi Trade Bank, Ali Alwan, stressed on Tuesday the importance of raising the level of banking work and enhancing the efficiency of human resources.
The bank stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “the President of the Iraqi Trade Bank, Ali Alwan, received a delegation from the Federal Public Service Council headed by Khalid Haider, a member of the council, within the framework of strengthening institutional cooperation and discussing mechanisms for developing functional cadres.”
According to the statement, Khalid Haider, a member of the Federal Public Service Council, said: “The visit comes within the framework of the Council’s work program aimed at activating its role and strengthening coordination with state institutions,” noting that “the goal of the visit is to contribute to achieving the principle of the specialized employee.”
For his part, the President of the Iraqi Trade Bank, Ali Alwan, welcomed the "Delegation of the Federal Service Council," stressing "the importance of joint cooperation in a way that contributes to developing institutional performance, raising the level of banking work, and enhancing the efficiency of human resources.
Statement by Abu Mujahid al-Assaf
The brigades will begin monitoring Iraqi airspace tonight and threaten to overthrow the government and close border crossings.
The security official of Kataib Hezbollah, Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, considered September 30 an occasion to celebrate “the expulsion of the American and NATO occupation at the hands of the resistance fighters,” and the beginning of achieving full sovereignty in the country.
He warned Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi against bringing down his government by all means, and threatened to close the border crossings with neighboring countries if the air embargo on Iran continues.
He indicated that the Islamic resistance will begin monitoring Iraqi airspace to ensure that it is not violated by hostile aircraft, and will first warn and then work to shoot them down, according to him.
Obama brought the Americans back to Iraq in September 2014, and Trump withdrew them in September 2016.
Although former US President Barack Obama continued to boast about withdrawing his forces from Iraq in 2011, he was forced, under intense pressure, especially from the Iraqi government, to begin redeploying troops to Iraq. He announced this in a famous speech in the early hours of September 10, 2014, when ISIS artillery reached the outskirts of Erbil and continued its advance across Iraq. At that time, a major US contribution began in building an international coalition that provided fighter jet and artillery support, training, and advice throughout the war, which ended in the summer of 2017. During this period, the number of US troops in Iraq reached 5,000, distributed across several bases throughout the country. With their withdrawal on Wednesday, their second deployment to Iraq will have lasted 4,491 days, or 12 years and 3.5 months.
I explained the post-30-9 plan
The people of the cave will also be watching the skies of Iraq: We will strike any American aircraft starting tomorrow.
After Kataib Hezbollah announced that it had begun monitoring the skies over Iraq in search of American aircraft on Monday (September 28, 2026), the Ashab al-Kahf faction announced on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) that it would monitor any American aircraft or any similar ground movement and would respond to it.
In a statement, which was monitored by Network 964 , the faction outlined ten points explaining the withdrawal of the international coalition forces:
First: The issue of surrendering weapons is a delusion dreamt of by the weak, the humiliated, and the slaves of the dollar.
Second: Starting tomorrow night, any foreign presence, whether on land or in the air, will be met with a military response from us. This is a legitimate right guaranteed by international conventions to confront occupation.
Third: What the terrorist “Tom Barrack” dreams of, which is to remove Iraq from the arena of the axis of resistance, is a difficult goal and will not be achieved. We will continue to participate according to the policy of the axis, and according to what is required by the ongoing battle between right and wrong, as described by the religious authority.
Fourth: Any country that participates in any aggression against the Islamic Republic must evacuate all its military and economic interests, and some of them should expect a response at any time, in revenge for the martyrs of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
Fifth: In the near future, we will unveil our new weapon that will please our friends and infuriate our enemies.
Sixth: We affirm that we are not subject to any political or partisan entity, and that our close ideological connection is to the religious authority; and whoever wants us to hand over our weapons, let him bring us a written text from it that requires that.
Seventh: We clarify that any hand that reaches out to our fighters will be cut off, and we will use weapons to defend our weapons against anyone, and we will not accept any humiliation, conspiracy, or infringement on our weapons, our existence, or our legitimacy.
Eighth: The brothers, the leaders of the Popular Mobilization Forces, must confront the conspiracies being hatched in the military decision-making office to weaken the Popular Mobilization Forces and pressure them to leave the vulnerable areas. We do not rule out that there may be pressures from “Tom Barrack” and Saudi influence in this office, and the wise understand what we are saying.
It is a jihad... victory or martyrdom.
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.
Iraq strengthens its presence in Arab and international forums... Nizar Nasser, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, elected Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors of Arab Central Banks and Monetary Institutions
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser, was elected Vice-Chairman of the Council of Governors of Arab Central Banks and Monetary Authorities during the 50th session of the Council, held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting, organized and sponsored by the Arab Monetary Fund, brought together governors of central banks and monetary authorities from across the Arab world.
Discussions focused on key regional and international economic and financial developments, the challenges facing Arab economies amidst current geopolitical shifts, and ways to enhance monetary and financial stability, develop the banking sector, support digital transformation and financial inclusion, and improve the efficiency of Arab payment systems and financial markets.
The meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation and coordination among Arab central banks and monetary authorities, and developing joint efforts with international financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to bolster the resilience of Arab economies to shocks and achieve stability and sustainable growth.
The governors discussed priority issues proposed for inclusion in the unified Arab statement for 2026 before the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. These issues include strengthening financial and technical support for Arab countries, developing local capital markets, supporting digital transformation, sustainable finance, capacity building, and enhancing the representation of Arab countries and expertise in international financial institutions.
The 50th session of the Council coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Arab Monetary Fund, reflecting a long history of Arab monetary and financial cooperation and the Fund's role in supporting efforts to achieve stability and economic development in Arab countries.
Iraq's participation in this important Arab financial forum confirms its return to a leading position regionally and internationally, and reaffirms the distinguished status of the Central Bank of Iraq, one of the oldest Arab central banks. It also underscores the prominent presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser, among his counterparts from other Arab central banks.
The Minister of Finance participates in the 17th session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers in Abu Dhabi
) – Finance Minister Faleh Sari participated on Tuesday in the 17th regular session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers, hosted by the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
A statement from the Ministry of Finance, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that "Finance Minister Faleh Sari participated in the 17th regular session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers, hosted by the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with the participation of Arab finance ministers and representatives of regional and international financial institutions."
The statement added that "the session is discussing a number of priority issues in the field of financial and economic policies, foremost among them strengthening financial stability and enhancing the resilience of Arab economies, in addition to developments in public finance policies."
It also noted that "the session coincides with the celebration of the golden jubilee of the Arab Monetary Fund, marking 50 years since its establishment."
The Iraq Stock Exchange officially joins the "Tabadul" platform.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange announced the official start of trading for the Iraq Stock Exchange via the “Tabadul” platform, making it the eighth market to join the platform.
The move allows investors in Iraq to trade securities listed on the Abu Dhabi market directly, thus enhancing trading and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The “Tabadul” platform provides the ability to trade between participating markets and settle transactions in local currencies, without the need for dual listing or custodian services.
With the addition of the Iraqi market, the platform now includes markets with a total market value exceeding one trillion dollars, and includes approximately 700 listed companies and more than 11 million registered investors.
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