Today at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during his inaugural visit to Washington, D.C. as Prime Minister. The two leaders emphasized their nations' commitment to a lasting U.S.-Iraq defense relationship and a robust Iraq capable of self-defense for regional stability.
The discussions included ongoing U.S.-Iraqi security cooperation, joint efforts against security threats, and the future of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS mission in Iraq. This meeting followed the Principals Meeting on April 8 of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC), focusing on ending the international coalition and evolving the D-ISIS Coalition based on ISIS threats and Iraqi Security Forces’ capabilities.
Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for Iraq's support in operations by the Global Coalition to prevent ISIS from reconstituting in Iraq and Syria. He acknowledged "the immense sacrifices of the Iraqi people and security forces" in fighting ISIS's rule.
Iraq is considered crucial in defeating ISIS by hosting Coalition forces. The Secretary highlighted Iraq's leadership in repatriating over 4,100 Iraqi nationals from camps and facilities in northeastern Syria last year. Prime Minister Sudani stressed accelerating these repatriations and ensuring safe reintegration or judicial accountability for crimes committed.
Discussions also covered modernizing Iraqi Security Forces, including Kurdish Peshmerga forces, through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and train-and-equip activities funded by the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF). The Department of Defense implements FMF-funded defense articles and services alongside International Military Education and Training courses.
A significant outcome was signing a joint work protocol recognizing an intended FMS purchase by Iraq worth nearly $550 million using the new Credit Assured Payment Schedule (CAPS). This mechanism allows payment over time instead of upfront, showcasing partnership strength.
Both leaders anticipate strategic discussions on future U.S.-Iraq security relations at this year's second Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue under the 2008 U.S.-Iraqi Strategic Framework Agreement. They reaffirmed commitment to transitioning to enduring bilateral security partnerships according to the Iraqi constitution and strategic framework agreement.