The US Congress has voted in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorisations for Use of Military Force against Iraq, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026.
The repeal is awaiting ratification by President Donald Trump.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq said the decision marks a fundamental shift in the legal framework governing relations between the two countries, reinforcing respect for Iraq's sovereignty and supporting a renewed strategic partnership.
The ministry added that the repeal sends a clear signal to the international community that Iraq has become a stable and secure environment for attracting investment.
Full statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs views with great pleasure the historic vote by the US Congress, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, to repeal the Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq of 1991 and 2002, included within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and awaits its ratification by President Donald Trump.
The completion of the repeal process for the abovementioned Authorizations for Use of Military Force, in place for over three decades, reflects the change in the convictions of U.S. lawmakers due to a set of domestic and external considerations. This repeal also constitutes a fundamental turning point in reshaping the legal nature of the relationship between the two countries and lays the foundation for a new framework of relations based on respect for Iraq's sovereignty and the closure of the legacy of war. It also enhances the framework of the strategic partnership and conveys to the world a message that Iraq has become an environment safe for attracting investment.
The Ministry considers that the repeal of the Authorizations for Use of Military Force does not damage counterterrorism efforts, because the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, issued in response to the September 11 attacks to address the threats posed by Al-Qaeda and other associated terrorist organizations, remains in force.
The Ministry also reiterates the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Iraq to strengthening bilateral relations in a manner that contributes to building a long-term partnership, serves the interests of the two friendly countries, and supports stability in the Middle East region.
(Source: Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)