U.S. and Iraq Agree on Phased Troop Withdrawal

The United States and Iraq have reached a tentative agreement on a phased withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces from Iraq, with US troops set to leave Baghdad and other federal regions by September 2025 and the autonomous Kurdish region by September 2026. This plan, which has been under discussion for months, still awaits final approval and an official announcement. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initially proposed extending the withdrawal period by an additional year, but this was declined by Iraq. The drawdown comes amid ongoing regional tensions, including attacks by Iran-backed groups and retaliatory US strikes. Both nations aim to transition to a new advisory relationship that will focus on broader bilateral cooperation.