Iraq sets September deadline for US troop exit, pledges to disarm militias

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has set a September 30 deadline for the withdrawal of US forces and announced a ban on weapons outside state control, as the two countries pivot to economic ties.

• Al‑Zaidi announced that US forces will leave Iraq by September 30.
• Al‑Zaidi declared that after September 30 no entity will be allowed to carry weapons outside the state framework.
• Al‑Zaidi said the US military withdrawal will be accompanied by an economic partnership, with US companies entering Iraq.
• US President Donald Trump stated that the United States will sign many deals with Iraq.