US To Withdraw All Troops From Iraq by September 30, Ending 23-Year Military Presence

The United States will formally end its military mission in Iraq by September 30, closing a chapter that began with the 2003 invasion to remove Saddam Hussein and later evolved into counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State (IS).

The announcement was made jointly by US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a press briefing at the White House, marking what both governments described as the implementation of a withdrawal agreement reached in 2024.

What Did Donald Trump Say?

Addressing reporters, Trump said Washington no longer believes a permanent military deployment in Iraq is necessary.

"We don't think we need the military there anymore," Trump stated, highlighting Iraq's expanding commercial relations with American petroleum firms.

"The relationship is a whole big relationship where we don't need the military. We're there to help them. We're there to protect them if need be. But we don't think that's going to be necessary," the US President added.

Trump's remarks indicate a shift in US-Iraq ties from a security-focused partnership towards stronger economic and commercial engagement.

Iraq Confirms September 30 Deadline

Speaking through an interpreter, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed that all remaining American troops will leave Iraq by September 30, while economic cooperation between the two countries will continue.

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

The statement underlines Baghdad's intention to maintain close economic ties with Washington even after the military mission concludes.

Why Is the US Leaving Iraq Now?

The Pentagon said the withdrawal fulfils a 2024 agreement reached with the Iraqi government to formally conclude the US-led mission against the Islamic State.

Since that agreement was signed during the Biden administration, the number of American troops stationed in Iraq has steadily declined, leaving only a small advisory contingent ahead of the final withdrawal.

How the US Military Presence Began

The American military entered Iraq in March 2003, launching an invasion aimed at removing Saddam Hussein from power.

The intervention was justified by claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. Those claims were later found to be unsubstantiated, according to reports.

As violence escalated, the US military presence expanded significantly, peaking in 2007 with more than 170,000 American service members deployed across Iraq.

From Combat Operations to Counterterrorism

Most US combat forces left Iraq in 2011 under an agreement negotiated during the Obama administration. A smaller force remained to support security cooperation and protect American diplomatic facilities.

However, the US military returned in 2014 after Iraq requested assistance when the Islamic State seized large areas across Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

The renewed mission focused on training Iraqi security forces, providing logistical support and conducting joint counterterrorism operations against IS.

Why Troops Stayed After IS Lost Territory

Although the Islamic State lost its territorial control by 2021, roughly 2,500 American troops remained in Iraq to continue training Iraqi forces and support ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.

Following the 2024 withdrawal agreement, troop levels were reduced substantially, leaving only a limited advisory presence.

What Happens Next?

The final withdrawal on September 30 will officially end the US military mission in Iraq under the terms of the 2024 agreement.

While American soldiers will leave the country, US companies are expected to continue operating in Iraq, signalling that the bilateral relationship is entering a new phase focused more on economic cooperation than military engagement.

The departure also brings to a close a 23-year American military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and later transitioned into training, advisory and counterterrorism roles following the rise of the Islamic State.

(With inputs from ANI)