The first round of bilateral dialogue between Iraq and the United States to conclude the mission of the international coalition against Daesh commenced on Saturday. Baghdad seeks to achieve a gradual reduction of coalition forces on its territory.

The meeting included top leaders of the Iraqi army, security agencies, and leaders of the international coalition comprising dozens of foreign countries - per an image published by the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani.

“Al Sudani oversees the first round of bilateral dialogue between Iraq and the United States to conclude the mission of the international coalition in Iraq," a statement by his office said.

The Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, is leading the negotiations for the Iraqi said.

"The likely progress of these negotiations will be determined; the important thing here is the resumption of these talks and setting the agenda for the next phase of bilateral relations," the Prime Minister's Foreign Relations Advisor stated - cited by AFP.

"Iraq is engaging with other countries in the international coalition to conclude bilateral agreements that serve the interests of Iraq and these countries," he added.

Iraq and the United States announced Thursday upcoming talks about the future of the international coalition led by Washington. On the same day, Washington confirmed the formation of working groups consisting of "military and defense specialists" within the framework of the "Joint High Military Committee" with Baghdad.

The transition will depend on three key factors, US defense secretary Lloyd Austin said, "the threat of [Daesh], operational and environmental requirements, and the Iraqi security forces' capability levels."

The Iraqi push to end the coalition comes amidst a highly tense regional situation. Since mid-October, more than 150 drone and missile strikes targeted US forces and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, in response to Israeli Occupation aggression against the Gaza Strip.

“The Islamic Resistance in Iraq," a coalition of armed factions loyal to Iran, pledged on Friday to continue its attacks against the international coalition.

There are approximately 2,500 US soldiers deployed in Iraq, and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition launched by Washington in 2014.