In an effort to mitigate risks posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group, the United States and Iraq have unveiled a new partnership aimed at bolstering the security relationship between the two nations. A proposed U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC) is anticipated to deepen this commitment.

Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary at U.S. Department of Defense, announced, "The U.S. and Iraq will start U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission working group meetings in the coming days, building upon the U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue and reflecting our commitment to deepen security cooperation to advance stability in Iraq & the region."

According to a media release from the U.S. Department of Defense, the HMC is projected to spearhead how the American military will assist Iraq in countering threats from ISIS. The role of America would be determined based on operational and environmental requirements, Iraqi security forces' qualifications, and the specific nature of danger posed by ISIS.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that "Expert working groups of military and defense professionals will examine these three factors and advise the HMC on the most effective evolution of the D-ISIS coalition mission, ensuring that ISIS can never resurge, in consultation with coalition partners at all stages of the process."

The establishment of HMC was planned during last summer's U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., as per a news release. The presence of American military forces in Iraq aligns with Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve's objective to provide assistance to specific regions in Iraq and Syria aiming to eradicate ISIS. The relevance of HMC has increased today due to evolving tactics employed by ISIS over a decade ago; hence, it seeks to explore how Iraq can secure its national safety.

Singh clarified that "the HMC meeting is not a negotiation about the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The United States and the coalition are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to fight ISIS. Our Iraqi partners have assured us of their commitment towards working together to shape this future on U.S. military presence and the enduring defeat of ISIS."