At a Glance

• Iraqi Chief Justice hailed the historic exit as “an inspiring” milestone that solidifies state sovereignty and judicial independence.
• Zidan emphasized that the full troop departure safeguards constitutional rights, public freedoms, and overall societal interests. 

Faiq Zidan, President of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, marked the historic transition by describing the occasion as an "inspiring national milestone in the journey toward consolidating state sovereignty" and securing the independence of national decision-making.

---

Key Statements and Focus Areas

• “With the most sincere congratulations and warmest blessings, we extend our greetings to the honorable Iraqi people on the occasion of National Sovereignty Day, which falls on the thirtieth of September,” Chief Justice Faiq Zidan said in a statement.
• Today, September 30, 2026, marks the formal end of the U.S.-led International Coalition's military mission in Iraq.

---

Supreme Judicial Council President Zidan issued a statement to mark the withdrawal of Coalition forces, stressing that, “This occasion is an inspiring national milestone in the journey toward consolidating state sovereignty, ensuring the independence of national decision-making, and reaffirming the commitment to respecting the constitution and the rule of law.”

Zidan emphasized that the withdrawal “guarantees the protection of rights and freedoms, while safeguarding the interests of the state and society.”

“May Iraq and its people remain safe, secure, and prosperous every year,” he concluded in his message.

FYI

The U.S.-led International Coalition officially concluded its military mission in Iraq on September 30, 2026, marking the end of a 12-year multinational campaign against ISIS. 

The departure follows a two-phase drawdown plan negotiated in 2024 by the U.S.–Iraq Higher Military Committee to systematically decommission foreign operational bases, including the primary headquarters at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC). 

Moving forward, Iraq's defense relationship with its international partners will transition from a collective coalition framework into distinct, one-on-one bilateral security agreements focused on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism advice. 

In celebration of the total transition of the national security file to domestic forces, the federal government has declared a four-day official public holiday under the banner of "Sovereignty Day." 

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

Iraq Officially Declares End of Coalition Military Mission 

Italy Completes Final Troop Withdrawal From Iraq After 12 Years

Iraq Presidencies Assert State Weapon Monopoly Amid Regional Crises