US military to complete withdrawal from Iraq by September 30

The United States, which has maintained a military presence in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, announced that all U.S. forces will leave Iraq by 30 September 2026. The decision was made public during a meeting at the White House between President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi. Trump said the United States “doesn’t think we need the military there anymore,” while al‑Zaidi added that U.S. companies will stay in Iraq after the troops depart.

The move implements a 2024 agreement to end the U.S. anti‑IS mission. At its peak in 2007, the U.S. stationed more than 170,000 troops; recent counts put the number at roughly 2,500, largely advisors and trainers. The withdrawal follows a gradual drawdown that began after the defeat of the Islamic State, with many bases already handed over to Iraqi security forces.

Iraq has linked the final exit to the disarmament of Iran‑aligned militias, pledging that no armed groups will be allowed to retain weapons after the deadline. The shift marks the end of a 23‑year U.S. military footprint and signals a new focus on economic cooperation, especially in Iraq’s oil and energy sectors.