Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for today's announcement reaffirming his government's full commitment to protect U.S. forces who are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government. U.S. and Coalition forces remain in Iraq in support of the Iraqi Security Forces to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS. This mission is critical for regional stability and security. The Secretary conveyed the importance of protecting U.S. and Global Coalition personnel and advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities from aggression and attacks.