U.S. and Iraq Near Historic Troop Withdrawal Agreement

The U.S. and Iraq have developed a plan for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The agreement, which awaits formal approval, also includes plans to maintain an advisory relationship between the two countries.

The United States and Iraq are on the cusp of a landmark deal for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, according to sources close to the discussions.

The plan, already broadly agreed upon but pending final approval from both governments, aims for the departure of hundreds of troops by September 2025, with a complete withdrawal by the end of 2026. An announcement is expected soon, said a senior U.S. official. 'We have an agreement, it's now just a question of when to announce it,' the official added.

Officials from both nations are also discussing a new advisory relationship to retain some U.S. troops post-drawdown. An official announcement was delayed due to regional tensions linked to Israel's conflict in Gaza. The agreement follows extensive talks initiated by Iraq's Prime Minister amid ongoing attacks by Iran-backed groups on U.S. forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)