"Iraqi Prime Minister Pushes to Expel US Forces Following Airstrike on Militia Leader"

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced plans to initiate dialogue with the United States regarding the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq, following a U.S. airstrike that killed an Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad. Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq's sovereignty and the need to end the international coalition's presence as the original justifications for their stay have ceased. The strike targeted Mushtaq Taleb al-Saidi, a leader of the Iranian-backed Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, which is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces. The Pentagon stated the strike was a defensive action and expressed the U.S.'s desire to maintain a positive relationship with Iraq.