Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Timetable for US Troop Withdrawal
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has declared that the presence of US forces in Iraq is no longer necessary, citing significant progress in combating the Islamic State group. In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq has transitioned from a state of war to stability, asserting, "There are no more justifications... There is no need for an alliance, and Iraq 2024 is not Iraq 2014." He indicated that a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops would be announced soon.
Details of the Withdrawal Agreement
According to reports, an agreement has been reached between Baghdad and Washington regarding the phased withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq. The plan outlines the withdrawal of hundreds of US-led coalition troops by September 2025, with the remaining forces scheduled to leave by the end of 2026. Although the official announcement was initially expected weeks ago, it was delayed due to regional tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A New Era of Iraqi Sovereignty
The impending withdrawal marks a pivotal moment in US-Iraq relations and reflects a broader shift in Washington's military strategy in the Middle East. Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops are stationed in Iraq, alongside 900 in Syria, as part of the coalition formed in 2014 to combat ISIS. The planned withdrawal is seen as a political victory for Al-Sudani, who aims to navigate Iraq's complex relationships with both the US and Iran, which have opposing influences in the region.
