The United States hosted, and co-chaired with Italy, an ad-hoc Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh meeting of Political Directors and senior diplomatic officials in Rome on October 1, 2026. The statement does not mention the number of attendees.; see the full statement.
Context
This meeting represents a continuation of international efforts to degrade the threat posed by ISIS/Daesh, following the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq. The ending of OIR’s mandate, as acknowledged by coalition partners, marks a shift in the operational approach, prioritizing support for Iraqi and Syrian government efforts to sustain counterterrorism capabilities. The statement does not address the precise timeline of the OIR mandate’s conclusion.
The core objective of the coalition remains strengthening Iraq and Syria’s stability. The coalition’s role is to support the development of robust, inclusive state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities, thereby addressing the grievances that historically fueled ISIS/Daesh’s recruitment efforts. This approach hinges on the willingness of the Iraqi and Syrian governments to continue their leadership roles in counterterrorism and governance.
What to Watch
Coalition partners congratulated Iraq and Syria on the success of Operation Inherent Resolve, recognizing the collective efforts in degrading ISIS/Daesh. The ending of OIR’s mandate in Iraq represents true victory of the collective efforts of the Coalition and the resolve of the Iraqi government to continue its responsibility to ensure the group cannot regenerate. In Syria, we celebrate the Coalition having a partner in Damascus that recognizes the ISIS/Daesh threat and is determined to work with the Coalition to diminish it. Lasting security in both countries will depend on strengthening inclusive, sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities who can equally partake in their country’s future.
Participants reaffirmed the Coalition’s role as a tool for strengthening Iraq and Syria’s stability. Should the visit yield further commitments, the coalition will focus on enhancing both countries’ abilities to target ISIS/Daesh and to prevent the grievances and divisions that ISIS/Daesh has historically exploited. The statement does not mention the specific mechanisms for delivering this aid. Coalition members expressed their readiness to work closely with the Syrian and Iraqi governments to accomplish this and announced commitments totaling more than 75 million dollars towards supporting Syrian counterterrorism needs, and increasing detention capacity, sustaining health and sanitation services, and supporting displaced and detained populations for both Iraq and Syria. The statement does not address the timeframe for these commitments.
The Government of Syria highlighted key counterterrorism priorities and gaps for international support and Iraq reaffirmed its ongoing leadership to defeat ISIS/Daesh.
Background
In March the ministry said the United States and Japan Extend Science and Technology Agreement Indefinitely. The statement does not mention the rationale for this extension, nor does it address any specific changes to the agreement’s terms.
In September the ministry said G20 Chair’s Statement: Ebola Ministerial on Accelerating Collective Action to Defeat Ebola. The statement does not mention any connections between the Ebola Ministerial and the current meeting.
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