U.S. to announce troop drawdown in Iraq amid ongoing tensions

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The U.S. is expected to announce a reduction in its military forces stationed in Iraq next week, according to reports from Politico citing two administration officials. Currently, around 2,500 American troops are deployed in Iraq, having been stationed there since 2014 to help combat the Islamic State (ISIS), which seized large parts of northern Iraq.

A Department of Defense official noted that although ISIS has been territorially defeated, the group still poses a threat, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the enduring defeat of the insurgents. However, the continued U.S. military presence has become a point of contention within Iraq.

Negotiations for a full troop withdrawal by the end of 2026 are reportedly in their final stages. This announcement comes amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, during which American troops stationed in Iraq have faced attacks. Iraq is also home to several Iranian-backed militias, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a semi-official coalition formed during the ISIS insurgency. The PMF has support from Baghdad but also includes pro-Iranian factions.