Postponed Announcement on U.S.-Led Coalition's Mission in Iraq

The Iraqi foreign ministry has delayed an announcement regarding the end date for the U.S.-led coalition’s mission due to recent developments. Discussions between U.S. and Iraqi officials are ongoing, with issues such as announcement timing and logistical details pending. Iraq seeks the coalition’s full withdrawal by September 2025.

The Iraqi foreign ministry announced on Thursday that due to recent developments, the planned announcement of the U.S.-led coalition's mission end date has been delayed. The ministry refrained from specifying the nature of these developments.

Officials from the United States and Iraq, forming the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission, are in discussions to finalize the withdrawal of military advisers from various sites in Iraq. According to the ministry, the primary issues yet to be resolved include setting an announcement date and addressing logistical aspects.

Iraq, possessing alliances with both the U.S. and Iran, currently hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and has militias supported by Iran within its security infrastructure. The region has seen an increase in retaliatory attacks amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, including an incident on August 5 that injured five U.S. personnel. Iraq aims for the coalition to start withdrawing in September, with a complete exit by September 2025. Some U.S. forces are expected to stay on in an advisory role per a new agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)