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U.S.-led Coalition Mission in Iraq Set to Conclude by September 2025, According to Reuters

A U.S.-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq is set to conclude by September 2025, transitioning to a bilateral security partnership between the United States and Iraq, as announced in a joint statement on Friday.

Currently, the U.S. maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and an additional 900 in Syria, part of a coalition established in 2014 to counter the rise of the Islamic State in the region.

The joint statement did not specify how many U.S. troops would be leaving Iraq or from which bases. During a briefing with journalists, a senior U.S. official clarified that this development should not be viewed as a withdrawal, although no details were provided on troop movements. The official emphasized, “This is not a withdrawal. This is a transition to an expanded U.S.-Iraqi bilateral security relationship.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani began discussions with the U.S. in January regarding this transition. He has indicated that while he values the support from U.S. forces, their presence has drawn instability, leading to frequent attacks and responses that lack coordination with the Iraqi government.

Reports suggest that hundreds of U.S. troops may depart Iraq by September 2025, with the remaining forces scheduled to leave by the end of 2026. As part of the plan, all coalition forces are expected to vacate the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Anbar province and significantly reduce their presence in Baghdad by the targeted date. U.S. and coalition troops are anticipated to continue operating from Erbil, with contributions from other countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.

Officials also confirmed that the U.S. mission in Syria will proceed as planned.

This drawdown marks a significant change in the U.S. military strategy in the Middle East. While the primary objective has been to combat the Islamic State, U.S. officials acknowledge that the military presence also serves to counter Iranian influence. This has become increasingly critical amid tensions between Israel and Iran, with U.S. forces in Iraq recently intercepting rockets and drones aimed at Israel.

The agreement is expected to be a political victory for Sudani, as he navigates Iraq’s relations with both Washington and Tehran.

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