Iraq US Congress vote to repeal war authorizations against Baghdad

(MENAFN) Iraq has expressed support for the US Congress’s recent vote to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the country, a measure included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry described the vote by both the House of Representatives and the Senate as a “fundamental turning point,” emphasizing that it could pave the way for a new framework in US-Iraq relations grounded in respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and the closure of the legacy of past conflicts.

The ministry clarified that the repeal would not affect counterterrorism operations, as the 2001 AUMF, enacted in response to the September 11 attacks to address al-Qaeda and affiliated groups, remains in effect. Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cooperative ties with the United States in a manner that promotes regional stability and serves mutual interests.

The US Senate approved the NDAA, a $901 billion defense policy and spending bill for 2026, with a 77-20 vote, following earlier approval by the House. During his previous term, President Donald Trump cited the 2002 AUMF as the legal basis for the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. The repeal now awaits Trump’s ratification.

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