U.S. military prepares to exit Iraq by September 30

In Iraq, the U.S. military is on track to withdraw all its forces by the end of September 2024, marking the conclusion of a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. This decision follows an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down U.S.-led operations against the Islamic State group, which had previously prompted the return of U.S. troops in 2014. The Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, confirmed the September 30 deadline during a meeting with U.S. Central Command chief, Adm. Brad Cooper, emphasizing that this date is fixed and final for ending the coalition's military mission in Iraq. The U.S. presence in Iraq peaked at over 170,000 troops in 2007, but has since been reduced significantly, with approximately 2,500 troops remaining for training and counter-ISIS operations. As the withdrawal date approaches, al-Zaidi has also set a deadline for non-state armed groups in Iraq to disarm, asserting that they will have no justification to carry arms once foreign troops leave. However, it remains uncertain if the Iraqi government will successfully disarm these groups, particularly powerful Iran-backed militias that have indicated they will not relinquish their weapons. The U.S. and Iraq are shifting their focus towards economic and development matters, with American companies expected to engage in various projects in Iraq post-withdrawal. This transition marks a significant change in the relationship between the two nations, as Iraq aims to bolster its military capabilities and assume full responsibility for its security and stability.