The United States and Iraq have reached a tentative agreement on the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces, with hundreds of troops expected to leave Iraq by September 2025 and the remaining forces by the end of 2026, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The agreement, pending final approval from both governments and an official announcement date, comes after six months of negotiations initiated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani amid rising regional tensions and attacks on U.S. forces by Iran-backed armed groups. Under the deal, all coalition forces will withdraw from the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Anbar province and significantly reduce their presence in Baghdad by next September. Operations will continue in Erbil, Kurdistan, until late 2026. The phased drawdown aligns with Iraq's goal to shift towards bilateral cooperation with the coalition in military, security, economic, and cultural spheres. An official announcement of the agreement could be made as soon as this month. — Agencies
