At a Glance

• Qubad Talabani expressed gratitude for the Coalition’s support to the Peshmerga and Iraqi Army in fighting terrorism.
• Talabani described the Coalition’s withdrawal and the restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty as an “important historical milestone.”
• He called on Baghdad, Erbil and Iraq’s political forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and stability through cooperation and full implementation of the Constitution.
• Talabani said cooperation between the Federal Government and Kurdistan Regional Government remains strong and that the Peshmerga is ready to confront threats.

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Caretaker Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani described the completion of the International Coalition’s military withdrawal as an important historical milestone, calling on Erbil, Baghdad, and Iraqi political forces to maintain national stability through constitutional cooperation.

Talabani said the end of the Coalition mission represents an “important historical milestone” and called on Iraqi and Kurdish political forces to strengthen institutions and work together to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

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Key Statements

“We will never forget the Coalition’s support across three vital and decisive stages.”

— Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

“The withdrawal of the Coalition and the restoration of full sovereignty to Iraq represents an important historical milestone for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

— Qubad Talabani

“We must prove to the citizens of Iraq and to the international community that we are capable of safeguarding the sovereignty, security, and stability of our country.”

— Qubad Talabani

“There is excellent cooperation and coordination between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.”

— Qubad Talabani

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Talabani highlighted three periods in which he said the Coalition played a decisive role: the establishment of the no-fly zone in 1991, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist government in 2003, and the international campaign against ISIS after 2014.

He also honored members of the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army and Coalition forces who were killed during those conflicts.

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In a statement marking the end of the Coalition mission, Qubad Talabani said the Kurdistan Region would remain grateful for the Coalition’s support to the Peshmerga and Iraqi Army in the fight against terrorism and in maintaining security and stability.

He paid tribute to the fallen from the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army and Coalition forces, sending his respect to what he described as their “pure souls.”

Talabani said the Kurdistan Region would not forget the Coalition’s role across three major periods: the 1991 no-fly zone, particularly involving the United States, United Kingdom and France; the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime; and the campaign against ISIS following 2014.

He described the completion of the Coalition withdrawal as a historic turning point, saying the Federal Government, Kurdistan Regional Government and political forces across Iraq and Kurdistan now face a significant responsibility to demonstrate that Iraq can safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.

Talabani stressed that achieving this would require cooperation, joint action in the public interest and full implementation of the Iraqi Constitution.

He also called on Kurdish political forces to work with a shared vision to strengthen legitimate institutions and improve governance and public services, saying the achievements of the Kurdish people could ultimately be preserved through public trust and support.

On security, Talabani said there is “excellent cooperation and coordination” between Baghdad and Erbil. He added that the Peshmerga Forces remain at the highest level of readiness and are prepared to defend Kurdistan and protect the lives and property of its citizens.

FYI

The Coalition completed its military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, ending its military mission after more than a decade of operations against ISIS. The final U.S. troops departed from Erbil, while Washington has indicated that security cooperation with Iraq will continue through a bilateral framework, including training and intelligence support.

For the Kurdistan Region, the transition comes alongside renewed emphasis on coordination between Baghdad and Erbil. The KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has said the Peshmerga remains part of Iraq’s defense system and will continue coordination with the Iraqi Army, while also raising concerns about the absence of an alternative air-defense system following the U.S. withdrawal.

Talabani’s statement places the next phase in broader institutional terms, emphasizing constitutional implementation, cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, and the ability of Iraqi and Kurdish institutions to assume greater responsibility for security after the Coalition’s departure.

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