Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has stated that there is no longer a need for US forces to remain in Iraq, as the country has largely succeeded in defeating ISIS. He also mentioned that he plans to announce a timeline for their withdrawal soon.
In an interview with Bloomberg TV in Baghdad, Al-Sudani said, “The justifications are no longer present… There is no need for the coalition’s presence.” He added, “We have moved from wars to stability. ISIS no longer represents a real challenge.”
Currently, around 2,500 US military personnel are stationed in Iraq as part of the legacy of a US-led coalition formed in 2014 to combat ISIS. The presence of US and other foreign troops in Iraq remains a sensitive political issue, with many civilians and politicians calling for their departure.
However, some US lawmakers have expressed discomfort with a complete military withdrawal, citing concerns that it might allow ISIS to regroup or increase Iran’s influence in Iraq.
Al-Sudani noted that he had discussed the issue with US President Joe Biden during their meeting in Washington in April, and both nations had reached an understanding regarding the withdrawal.
Earlier this month, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi told Al-Hadath TV that US forces would leave by 2026.
The US military presence in Iraq dates back to the 2003 invasion, which aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. Following the invasion, US forces remained in the country to combat insurgencies and establish a stable government. In 2011, most US troops withdrew, but a new deployment occurred in 2014 as part of a coalition to fight ISIS, which had captured large territories in Iraq and Syria.
By 2021, US forces transitioned from a combat role to an advisory one, focusing on supporting Iraqi security forces in counterterrorism efforts. However, the presence of approximately 2,500 US military personnel has remained politically controversial within Iraq. Many Iraqi factions, including political groups backed by Iran, have called for the complete withdrawal of foreign troops, citing national sovereignty concerns and the potential for escalating regional tensions.
On the other hand, US officials have expressed concerns that a full withdrawal could lead to a resurgence of ISIS and increase Iran’s influence within Iraq.
