Washington and Iraq have jointly announced the conclusion of the American-led international mission in Iraq over the next twelve months amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This decision will transition the American military mission into a bilateral security partnership by September 2025, although coalition forces will remain in oil-rich areas of Syria until 2026 to prevent the return of ISIS.
The Pentagon clarified that the mission change does not signify a full withdrawal, with a plan in place to maintain a presence in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized that Iraq no longer requires US troops for stability, reflecting the country’s progress since the US invasion in 2003.
After devastating shock and awe bombing in 2003, the US presence in Iraq continued post-ISIS operations in 2021. The hesitation to withdraw possibly stems from concerns over past repercussions in Afghanistan. Recent missile attacks on US military sites highlight ongoing tensions in the region.
US braces for more attacks on its Middle East forces – Axios