Iraq has proposed a new security agreement with the United States, which is currently under review by President Donald Trump’s administration. The agreement aims to forge a lasting security partnership and strengthen intelligence cooperation between both nations.
In statements reported by Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi emphasized the importance of U.S. troop presence in Syria for regional stability. He stated that U.S. forces should remain in Syria until the Syrian army becomes capable of maintaining security or until a formal security arrangement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is reached.
Al-Abbasi also cautioned against a hasty U.S. troop withdrawal, warning that it could create a dangerous power vacuum. This could allow militant groups to regroup and directly threaten Iraq’s security and borders. Therefore, the continued presence of U.S. forces in the region remains a priority for Iraq.
Iraq’s security collaboration with the U.S. is anchored in key agreements such as the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). These agreements regulate military cooperation and the presence of troops in Iraq. Since 2015, the U.S. has allocated $1.25 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Iraq, helping enhance its security forces, logistics, and counterterrorism capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has contributed over $590 million for weapons destruction programs.
The Joint Security Cooperation Dialogues continue to address emerging security threats, such as terrorism and regional instability. The discussions also focus on the future of military cooperation between Iraq and the United States, aiming to ensure long-term security and stability for both countries.
