Ghalibaf: Foreign Troops on Brink of Final, Definitive Withdrawal from Iraq
WANA (Aug 21) – Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that foreign forces are on the verge of a complete and final exit from Iraq, describing his recent meetings with top Iraqi officials as warm, intimate, and fraternal while highlighting major shifts in regional dynamics.
Summarizing his three-day visit to the neighboring nation, Ghalibaf emphasized that South West Asia is undergoing significant developments indicating a serious transformation in the regional order.
During the trip, he held high-level talks with Iraq’s President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, head of the Judiciary, and Secretary and Advisor of the Supreme National Security Council, as well as Iraqi business leaders, representatives from the Iraqi Chamber of Commerce, and Iranian economic actors operating in the country.
Foreign Withdrawal and Sovereignty
Ghalibaf noted that the prevailing atmosphere in negotiations reflected deep brotherhood, revealing that foreign coalition forces present since the occupation are preparing for a total departure. He stated that Iraqi land and airspace will be freed from foreign occupation, restoring complete independence and sovereignty to the Iraqi government and people without external military presence.
He described this transition as a critical step that provided an opportunity to address broader security, political, economic, and cultural issues.
Border Security and Non-Interference
Addressing security matters, the Speaker referenced a comprehensive security and border agreement between Iran and Iraq, noting that discussions focused on its executive implementation alongside general regional security.
He explicitly clarified that Iran never interferes in Iraq’s internal affairs, affirming that Tehran fully supports any consensus reached by Iraqi groups and officials within the framework of their constitution to preserve their independence and governance. He added that both nations can play a pivotal role in establishing sustainable regional security under the emerging order.
He noted that regional states—particularly Persian Gulf nations—have increasingly recognized that the presence of U.S. forces and Israeli actions generate instability rather than security, reiterating Iran’s readiness to foster enduring, endogenous regional security through mutual cooperation.
Economic Collaboration and Bilateral Initiatives
On the economic front, Ghalibaf acknowledged that sanctions have placed pressure on both Iran and Iraq, but framed the challenge as an opportunity for closer partnership. To build on their discussions, a joint meeting is scheduled within two weeks in Tehran, bringing together officials from various ministries alongside representatives from both nations’ chambers of commerce and business sectors to develop operational ground plans for economic cooperation.
Message from the Supreme Leader and Pilgrimage Ties
Ghalibaf also highlighted his attendance at a Karbala ceremony commemorating the 40th day following the burial of the late Iranian leader at the Imam Hassan Al-Askari Mosque. Speaking to attendees and leadership, he conveyed messages of gratitude from the Iranian people, the martyred leader’s family, and the Supreme Leader to the Iraqi public and authorities.
He added that the delegation engaged in productive discussions regarding tourism, pilgrimage logistics, and annual Arbaeen preparations.
Closing his remarks, Ghalibaf described the parliamentary mission as one of the most successful and practical visits across economic, social, cultural, political, and security spheres—especially given current sensitive regional conditions—and expressed gratitude to the Iraqi people and leadership for their warm hospitality and effective dialogue.