U.S. and Iraqi officials have reached an agreement on a plan for the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraqi territory, as reported by Reuters on Friday. According to eight U.S. and Iraqi officials, “The plan includes the departure of hundreds of coalition forces by September 2025, with the remainder withdrawing by the end of the following year.” The officials noted that “the agreement awaits approval from the leadership of both countries.” A U.S. official stated, “We have reached an agreement, and now it’s only a matter of when it will be announced.” Sources indicate that the United States and Iraq are aiming for a new advisory relationship that may see some U.S. forces remain in Iraq post-withdrawal. One source mentioned that an announcement was initially planned weeks ago but was delayed due to regional escalations and the finalization of some details, adding that “the deal could be announced this month.” Farhad Alaaldin, an advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, stated, “The technical discussions with Washington regarding the withdrawal have concluded.”
The United States and Iraq have been actively discussing the future of U.S. troops in Iraq, focusing on reducing the military presence while transitioning to a new advisory and support phase.
An agreement, though not yet publicly announced, outlines the withdrawal of hundreds of U.S. troops by September 2025, with a complete withdrawal expected by the end of 2026. This plan requires final approval from both Washington and Baghdad before an official announcement is made.
Beyond the troop withdrawal, the U.S. and Iraq are exploring a new phase of bilateral relations, which includes maintaining some level of U.S. presence in advisory roles. This aims to support Iraq’s military, security, and even broader economic and cultural engagement.
The U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, recently held in Washington D.C., underscored a mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This dialogue also reviewed the progress made under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement and emphasized ongoing cooperation in combating ISIS and strengthening Iraq’s security forces.
