Iraq and United States Signed Handover Agreement
The two nations reached a formal agreement to transfer a diplomatic site at Baghdad International Airport.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in International Relations
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Iraq and the United States signed an agreement on Thursday to transfer the US Diplomatic Support Site at Baghdad International Airport to the Iraqi government. The handover is a key component of the transition as foreign military presence concludes.
Why it matters
This transfer represents a major step in the effort to end the Global Coalition mission in Iraq. The handover is part of a broader shift in the diplomatic and security relationship between the two countries.
The agreement marks the transition of the US Diplomatic Support Site to Iraqi authorities. The withdrawal of foreign military forces is officially scheduled for completion by September 30, 2026.
The players
Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom
He is the Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Relations who signed the agreement on behalf of Iraq.
Stephen Fagin
He is the Acting US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires who signed the agreement for the United States.
The details
The formal agreement was signed by representatives of both nations to facilitate the transition of the facility at Baghdad International Airport. This move follows the broader commitment to end the Global Coalition mission and the associated foreign military presence.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Iraq and the United States signed the formal handover agreement.
September 30, 2026: The Global Coalition mission and foreign military presence in Iraq are scheduled to end.
Political Context
The transition follows the specific withdrawal timeline established by the Global Coalition mission in Iraq. While the handover proceeds, opposition groups remain focused on the long-term implications of a reduced international security footprint in the region.
This transition marks a formal change in administrative control at the Baghdad airport facility. Residents and travelers should anticipate potential adjustments to security protocols as the site transfers from US to Iraqi government management.
The takeaway
The handover highlights the accelerating pace of foreign military withdrawal from Iraq. Maintaining regional stability will be the primary challenge as the two nations transition to a new phase of bilateral engagement.
What happens next
The Global Coalition mission and foreign military presence in Iraq are scheduled to end on September 30, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about shifting global alliances in our International Relations section.
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