According to four Iraqi sources, Iraq wishes for the withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces to commence in September, with the coalition’s operations officially concluding by September 2025. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential retention of some American forces in advisory roles, negotiations for which are currently taking place.
Iraqi sources and American officials have been discussing this proposal during a security summit in Washington this week. As of now, there is no formal agreement on ending the coalition or any associated timeline.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in a press briefing that both sides are meeting in Washington this week to strategize on transitioning the mission of the US-led coalition based on the ongoing threat posed by ISIS, but no further details were available.
US forces, leading a coalition of over 80 members formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, currently maintain approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq. These troops are stationed across three main bases in Baghdad, Anbar province, and the Kurdistan region.
The exact number of troops to be withdrawn has not been finalized. While Iraqi sources anticipate most forces will eventually leave, US officials suggest that a significant number may remain to fulfill a negotiated advisory and support role.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has been actively involved, advocating for a gradual reduction of US military presence, which aligns with his administration’s broader security and political strategy. This move is also influenced by internal pressures from Iran-backed factions within Iraq.
The talks also touch on broader security cooperation, shaping the future of the US-Iraq relationship beyond just troop presence, suggesting a lasting security collaboration between the two nations. These discussions are occurring amid other regional tensions, notably the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which impacts regional security dynamics and perceptions of US roles in the Middle East
