The United States intending to end its military presence in Iraq by 2026

Informed sources reported that the United States and Iraq have reached an agreement on a gradual withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq.

Under the plan, hundreds of troops are scheduled to be withdrawn by September 2025, with a full withdrawal to be completed by the end of the following year.

The sources confirmed that the agreement is awaiting final approval from both sides and setting a date for the official announcement.

A senior US official explained that the agreement has been reached, and the issue now is only about the timing of its announcement.

Meanwhile, Baghdad and Washington are working to establish a new advisory relationship that could allow some US forces to remain after the withdrawal.

The plan was scheduled to be announced several weeks ago, but regional escalation linked to the conflict in Gaza led to a delay.

The plan includes withdrawing coalition forces from Asad base in Anbar province by September 2025, with a significant reduction in the military presence in Baghdad.

Meanwhile, some forces will remain in the Kurdistan Region until the end of 2026 to support operations against ISIS in Syria.

The advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Farhad Alaeddin, confirmed the end of technical talks with Washington regarding the withdrawal, noting that the relationship between the two countries will move to a new level that includes cooperation in the military, security and economic fields.

The agreement comes after six months of talks that began in January 2023, amid repeated attacks by Iranian-backed armed groups on US forces in Iraq.

The deal is expected to be announced soon, marking a political achievement for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani, who is seeking to balance his alliance with Washington with his relations with Tehran.