US to complete troop withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, 2026

The United States will fully withdraw its forces from Iraq by September 30, 2026, a decision confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a White House meeting. This marks the end of a more than two-decade-long American military mission in the country.

President Trump stated that Washington no longer deems a military presence in Iraq necessary. "We do not believe we need a military presence there anymore. We are there to help Iraq if it needs it, but I don't think that will be necessary," Trump said. Prime Minister al-Zaidi confirmed the withdrawal would be completed according to the previously established timeline.

The withdrawal process is already underway. In January, U.S. troops departed from the strategic Ain al-Assad base, handing control to Iraqi security forces. American troop numbers have been gradually reduced, with remaining forces stationed in the Kurdistan region, near Baghdad's airport, and in the capital's Green Zone.

Baghdad has tied the U.S. troop withdrawal to the disarmament of militias that hold significant military and political influence in Iraq, some of which receive support from Iran. Prime Minister al-Zaidi indicated that this disarmament process must conclude by September 30, after which armed groups will no longer be permitted to operate. However, disarming these powerful militias presents a major challenge, as many have previously rejected such measures.