US to Withdraw Its American-Led Troops from Iraq by September 2025

US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq by September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between Washington and Baghdad. After months of discussions between the two nations, a broad agreement has reportedly been reached, which will see the withdrawal of hundreds of coalition troops stationed in Iraq.

This move reflects the long-term efforts to reduce foreign military presence in the region and transition to a new phase of bilateral relations.

The decision of US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq follows extensive talks between U.S. and Iraqi officials, particularly after heightened tensions and security concerns that have plagued the region for years.

By September 2025, a substantial number of these coalition forces will be withdrawn from key bases, including the Ain Al-Asad airbase and Baghdad. However, a portion of the American-led troops will remain stationed in Erbil, located in the semi-autonomous northern region of Kurdistan, where they are expected to continue their mission until the end of 2026.

The timing of this withdrawal comes in the wake of ongoing discussions about the future of Iraq’s security and the role of international forces in maintaining stability in the country.

The focus of these talks has been on recalibrating the U.S.-Iraq relationship, moving beyond a military-focused partnership to one that includes broader areas of cooperation such as security, economic, and cultural development.

US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq is seen as a necessary step towards achieving this transition, allowing Iraq to assert greater sovereignty over its internal security while still benefiting from international support in combating extremist threats like ISIS.

US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq

One of the key reasons for this shift in U.S. policy stems from the recent attacks on American-led troops in Iraq, particularly those carried out by Iran-backed militant groups. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety and sustainability of maintaining a large foreign military presence in Iraq.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani initiated talks in January 2023, amid growing security challenges posed by these militant groups. In one particularly deadly attack on January 27, 2023, three U.S. military personnel were killed, and dozens more were injured in a drone strike, further highlighting the dangers faced by American-led troops in the region.

The U.S. responded to these attacks with a series of retaliatory strikes, targeting 85 sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian forces and their allied militants. These military operations underscored the volatile security environment in Iraq, where U.S. troops have been caught in the crossfire of regional power struggles.

The decision of US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq by September 2025 is therefore seen as a pragmatic move to mitigate the risks associated with a prolonged military presence in a complex and unstable environment.

Despite the planned withdrawal, the U.S. will maintain a smaller contingent of troops in Erbil until the end of 2026. These forces will continue to play a crucial role in the fight against ISIS, particularly in neighboring Syria, where the group remains a persistent threat.

The presence of U.S. and coalition troops in Erbil will serve as a strategic foothold in the region, ensuring that counter-terrorism operations can continue while reducing the overall number of foreign troops in Iraq.

US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq by September 2025 also reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. After nearly two decades of military involvement in Iraq, the U.S. is seeking to recalibrate its role in the region, focusing more on diplomacy, economic partnerships, and cultural exchange rather than large-scale military deployments.

This approach is seen as a way to address the underlying causes of instability in Iraq, such as economic inequality, political corruption, and sectarian divisions, while still maintaining a robust counter-terrorism posture.

The origins of U.S. involvement in Iraq date back to 2003 when American forces invaded the country as part of the broader “War on Terror” following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The invasion led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime, but it also sparked years of insurgency, sectarian violence, and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. American troops initially withdrew from Iraq in 2011, but they returned in 2014 to lead a coalition against ISIS, which had seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

Since then, American-led troops have played a pivotal role in the defeat of ISIS on the battlefield, but the group’s ideological and operational remnants continue to pose a threat to the region. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw the majority of its troops by September 2025, the question of Iraq’s long-term security remains a concern for both Iraqi leaders and international observers.

The continued presence of U.S. forces in Erbil until 2026 is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure that the fight against ISIS can continue even as Iraq takes greater responsibility for its own security.

The planned withdrawal has not been officially announced, but reports suggest that the U.S. and Iraq are close to finalizing the agreement, with an announcement expected soon.

For Iraq, US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq by September 2025 signals a new chapter in the country’s post-war recovery and its ongoing efforts to establish itself as a stable and independent nation. For the U.S., the withdrawal represents the culmination of nearly two decades of military engagement in Iraq, as the focus shifts toward building a more balanced and cooperative relationship with Baghdad.

The US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq also comes at a time when the broader Middle East is undergoing significant geopolitical changes. The ongoing conflict in Syria, the influence of Iran in Iraq and beyond, and the rise of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey all play a role in shaping the future of Iraq’s security and stability.

The U.S. will need to navigate these complexities as it reduces its military presence in the region, ensuring that Iraq does not become a battleground for competing foreign interests.

The decision of US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq by September 2025 marks a significant turning point in U.S.-Iraq relations. While the withdrawal is a necessary step towards Iraq’s long-term stability and sovereignty, it also raises important questions about the future of security in the region.

The U.S. will continue to play a role in counter-terrorism efforts in Iraq and Syria, but its military footprint will be significantly reduced. As the two nations move towards a new phase of cooperation, the focus will shift from military operations to building a stronger partnership in areas such as economic development, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.

The US to withdraw its American-led troops from Iraq is a complex and multifaceted process, shaped by a range of political, security, and diplomatic factors. However, it represents a clear shift in U.S. policy towards a more sustainable and balanced approach to the region.

As Iraq continues its journey towards recovery and stability, the withdrawal of foreign troops is a key milestone in its path towards greater independence and self-reliance.