US Troops to Exit Iraq by September 30, Ending 23-Year Military Presence

The United States will complete the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq by September 30, 2026, bringing an end to a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein and later evolved into operations against the Islamic State (ISIS).

The announcement was made jointly by US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a meeting at the White House, marking a major shift in US policy in the Middle East.

Trump says US military no longer needed in Iraq

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, President Trump said Washington no longer believes a permanent military presence in Iraq is necessary.

"We don't think we need the military there anymore," Trump said, adding that the relationship between the two countries would now focus more on economic cooperation and investment.

He noted that American companies, particularly in the energy sector, would continue operating in Iraq despite the troop withdrawal.

Iraq confirms September 30 withdrawal

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed that all remaining US troops will leave Iraq by September 30, while emphasising that economic and commercial ties with the United States will continue.

"US forces will be out of Iraq by September 30, while US companies will be inside Iraq," al-Zaidi said.

The announcement follows the implementation of a 2024 bilateral agreement that set the timeline for ending the US-led coalition mission in Iraq.

Pentagon says mission has been completed

The Pentagon stated that the withdrawal fulfils commitments made under the 2024 agreement with the Iraqi government to conclude the coalition's military mission against ISIS.

Over the past two years, American forces have gradually handed over security responsibilities to Iraqi security forces while reducing their military footprint by closing and consolidating bases across the country.

From Saddam Hussein to ISIS: A 23-year mission

The US military entered Iraq in March 2003, launching an invasion aimed at removing Saddam Hussein from power over allegations that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.

Those weapons were never found.

At the height of the conflict in 2007, more than 170,000 American troops were deployed across Iraq.

Most US combat troops withdrew in 2011, although a limited force remained for training, advisory duties and diplomatic security.

In 2014, American troops returned after the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), which had seized large parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

The mission shifted toward:

• Training Iraqi security forces
• Counterterrorism operations
• Intelligence sharing
• Supporting the fight against ISIS

Although ISIS lost its territorial control by 2021, around 2,500 US troops remained in Iraq until the withdrawal agreement signed in 2024.

Iraq says its security forces are ready

The Iraqi government maintains that its security forces are now fully capable of handling domestic security challenges without direct US military support.

Years of training and cooperation with coalition forces have enabled Iraqi forces to assume primary responsibility for counterterrorism operations and national defence.

The withdrawal reflects Baghdad's growing confidence in its own military capabilities.

New phase in US-Iraq relations

While the military mission is ending, both governments stressed that diplomatic and economic cooperation will continue.

The United States is expected to maintain close ties with Iraq through:

• Energy investments
• Economic cooperation
• Diplomatic engagement
• Security consultations
• Counterterrorism intelligence sharing

The September withdrawal officially closes one of America's longest military deployments, ending a chapter that has shaped Iraq, the Middle East and US foreign policy for more than two decades.

Key Highlights

• The US will withdraw all troops from Iraq by September 30, 2026.
• The military presence began with the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
• President Donald Trump said Iraq no longer requires a permanent US military presence.
• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed the withdrawal timeline.
• The Pentagon said the move fulfils the 2024 US-Iraq withdrawal agreement.
• American companies will continue operating in Iraq after the troop exit.
• The withdrawal ends a 23-year US military mission in Iraq.

FAQs

When will US troops leave Iraq?

The United States has announced that all remaining troops will withdraw from Iraq by September 30, 2026.

Why is the US withdrawing from Iraq?

The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad, with both governments stating that Iraqi security forces are now capable of handling national security independently.

When did the US military first enter Iraq?

The United States invaded Iraq in March 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein from power.

Why did US troops return to Iraq in 2014?

American forces returned at Iraq's request to help combat the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), which had captured significant territory in Iraq and Syria.

Will the US maintain ties with Iraq after the withdrawal?

Yes. While the military mission is ending, the United States will continue diplomatic, economic and business cooperation with Iraq.