**Iraq Committed to Full US Withdrawal by September, Official Reports**
Iraq has reaffirmed its commitment to the full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces by the end of September, according to a report from the UK-based Saudi daily, Asharq Al-Awsat. This announcement comes from an unnamed Iraqi official who emphasized that any plans for US and other foreign troops to remain in the country beyond the September deadline contradict prior agreements made between the previous Iraqi government and the US administration.
US military forces have been present in Iraq for 23 years, following the 2003 invasion and subsequent operations aimed at combating the Islamic State (IS), formerly known as ISIS. The presence of these forces has been a contentious issue in Iraq, with various factions within the country advocating for their withdrawal.
Earlier this month, the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reiterated that September 30 would serve as the "fixed and final date" for the exit of international coalition forces. This statement aligns with the broader sentiment in Iraq regarding the need to establish sovereignty and control over its own security landscape.
Despite these commitments, there have been media reports suggesting that the United States may only be planning a drawdown rather than a complete withdrawal. An anonymous US official was quoted by the Iraqi news outlet Shafaq News, stating that the transition of the coalition's military mission would evolve into a more traditional bilateral security partnership, indicating that some level of US military presence might continue.
This ongoing discussion about the future of US forces in Iraq follows a series of developments in the region. US President Donald Trump has previously supported the idea of reducing military presence in Iraq, aligning with a withdrawal plan initially agreed upon during the Biden administration for 2024. During a meeting with Prime Minister al-Zaidi earlier this summer, Trump expressed a desire for the two nations to cultivate a relationship that does not rely on military support.
The geopolitical landscape in the region has also been influenced by tensions with Iran. The US military presence has faced significant challenges, particularly during conflicts involving Iran, which has targeted US military infrastructure in Gulf nations. Pro-Iranian armed groups operating in Iraq have also conducted attacks against US forces, complicating the security situation further.
In light of these developments, the Pentagon is reportedly evaluating the potential for reducing its military footprint in the Gulf region after the conclusion of the Iran conflict. This assessment comes amid frustrations expressed by US allies in the Gulf, who feel sidelined by the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has resulted in retaliatory actions against military bases located on their territories.
As regional powers seek to diversify their security partnerships, new alliances are emerging. Notably, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan have recently signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which has been characterized by commentators as an 'Islamic NATO.' This shift indicates a growing trend among nations in the region to establish cooperative security frameworks independent of US influence.
As the September deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with Iraq's commitment to a full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces serving as a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty and redefine its security partnerships.