The U.S. prepares to completely withdraw troops from Iraq by the end of September
The U.S. continues preparations for the complete withdrawal of remaining American service members from Iraq. The military presence is planned to be ended by September 30, 2026, American and Iraqi officials said.
Most American troops have already left bases in central and western Iraq. The remaining contingent is stationed primarily in the autonomous Kurdistan region in the north of the country. According to sources, the withdrawal of some equipment from there began several weeks ago.
On August 12, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with the head of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper. After the talks, the Iraqi prime minister confirmed that September 30 remains the “fixed and final date” for the completion of the international coalition's military mission and the withdrawal of its forces from the country.
Washington officially confirmed this course back in July. After al-Zaidi's meeting with U.S. leadership, the Pentagon announced its intention to fully implement the 2024 agreements and complete Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq by September 30.
American troops returned to Iraq in 2014 as part of the international operation against the Islamic State. Their mission gradually shifted from direct combat participation to training and advising Iraqi forces, intelligence support, and enabling operations against ISIS in neighboring Syria.
The agreement between Washington and Baghdad announced in September 2024 called for a phased conclusion of the coalition's military mission in Iraq and a transition to bilateral security cooperation. The second phase allowed the use of Iraqi territory to support operations against ISIS in Syria at least until September 2026.
In July, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington no longer considers it necessary to maintain a military contingent in Iraq. At the same time, the sides agreed to move relations toward economic, energy, and bilateral security cooperation.
Reports that the withdrawal of American troops is on schedule also appeared in international media on August 12.
Source: Pentagon, The Globe and Mail
