US to withdraw hundreds of troops from Iraq by 2026

The United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement regarding the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces, following extensive discussions initiated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The plan aims for hundreds of troops to depart by September 2025, with all remaining forces expected to leave by the end of 2026. This decision comes amid increasing attacks on U.S. personnel by Iran-backed groups, highlighting the need for a strategic reassessment of U.S. military presence in the region. The agreement includes a transition to a new advisory relationship, allowing some U.S. troops to remain in Iraq post-drawdown to assist in ongoing operations against the Islamic State. The coalition forces will vacate the Ain al-Asad airbase and reduce their presence in Baghdad, while maintaining a presence in Irbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, for an additional year. This shift in military posture reflects a broader strategy to counter not only the remnants of the Islamic State but also to address the growing influence of Iran in the region. U.S. officials have acknowledged that their presence serves a dual purpose, acting as a deterrent against Iranian aggression, especially as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran. The planned withdrawal is set to conclude just before the Iraqi parliamentary elections in October 2025, indicating a significant change in the dynamics of U.S.-Iraq relations. The final details of troop movements remain undisclosed due to their sensitive nature, but the agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing partnership between the two nations.