United States President Donald Trump reasserted his plan to pull out all U.S. soldiers from Iraq but issued no timeframe as he met with the Iraqi prime minister for the first time at the Oval Office in Washington.
In a meeting at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Thursday, Trump said he looks forward to a moment when U.S. and Iraqi servicemen don't have to be there," referring to threats they face in Iraq.
The meeting was held amid attacks on U.S. targets by supporters of Iranian-backed fighters in Iraq who are on the rise, and as Iraq is pressured to get rid of the approximately 5,000 American troops stationed in the country to help in its campaign to fight Jihadist atrocities.
Trump said the U.S. will eventually withdraw all its troops from Iraq, after over 17 years since it led a coalition of forces to invade the war-torn country.
Trump and al-Kadhimi said they are looking to discuss oil development and Iraq's internal security, the main focus of American military personnel still present in the country. Also tackled during the meeting was the two countries' relations with Iran.
Asked about an estimated date of a total troop pullout, Trump turned to U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo, who said "as soon as we complete the mission."
U.S. Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command, said he believes the Iraqi people accept the American and coalition soldiers, especially at a time when the country must be defended against Islamic State fighters who want to regain control of Iraq.
Al-Kadhimi said he was happy for the support of the U.S. in their fight against the Jihadist group. He describes Iraq's relations with the U.S. as a partnership built for the "best interests for our nation."
Pompeo said the U.S. was determined to help Iraq maintain security, despite Trump's willingness to withdraw American troops.
