Baghdad, August 18, 2025 (Agencies) — The United States has formally confirmed a strategic shift in its military mission in Iraq, transitioning from a coalition-led counterterrorism operation to a bilateral security partnership. The announcement comes ahead of next month’s scheduled withdrawal from key bases, marking the first phase of a two-year drawdown plan agreed upon by both governments last September.
A US embassy spokesperson described the change as a move toward “a more traditional bilateral security partnership,” emphasizing that while combat operations will wind down, civilian-led efforts to counter ISIS will continue globally.
Reports indicate that US forces have begun relocating from Ain Al Assad airbase in western Iraq and Baghdad International Airport to Erbil, in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The transition is expected to culminate in the full departure of remaining American troops by the end of 2026.
Hussein Allawi, adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the withdrawal timeline. “The government’s vision is to find a sustainable relationship that covers all fields, among them the security field,” he said, citing the work of the Higher Military Committee in shaping the phased exit strategy.
The first phase will conclude coalition activities at Ain Al Assad and Baghdad headquarters by September 2025, with the second phase wrapping up remaining operations by September 2026. Allawi described the shift as a return to “normal bilateral relations” reminiscent of the pre-ISIS era.
Despite the drawdown, approximately 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq, supporting counter-ISIS operations and regional stability. The US presence has long been a flashpoint in Iraqi politics, with Iran-aligned factions pushing for a complete withdrawal. Tensions escalated following the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and intensified further during Israel’s war on Gaza in late 2023, prompting a surge in attacks on US assets by groups under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
The timing of the mission’s redefinition coincides with a controversial security agreement signed between Iraq and Iran, which has drawn criticism from Washington. US officials have expressed concern that the deal could undermine Iraq’s sovereignty and complicate bilateral defense cooperation.
Baghdad has reiterated its intent to maintain strategic ties with the US, UK, NATO, and other partners under existing frameworks, particularly the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. The evolving partnership is expected to focus on training, advisory roles, and regional counterterrorism coordination.