The United States military has embarked on a significant new phase in its long-standing involvement in Iraq, formally announcing a reduction in troop levels as part of a carefully negotiated agreement with the Iraqi government. This move, made public on October 2, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the evolving security partnership between Washington and Baghdad, as the U.S. seeks to wind down its direct military presence while ensuring that the fight against the Islamic State group (ISIS) continues effectively.
According to the Pentagon, the drawdown will see the number of American service members in Iraq drop from just over 2,500 to fewer than 2,000—a reduction of about 20%. This adjustment aligns with an agreement reached between the two governments in September 2024, which set out a roadmap for a gradual decrease in U.S. military engagement over the coming years. The aim: to empower Iraqi forces to take the lead in counterterrorism operations, reflecting what Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described as “our combined success in fighting ISIS.”
“The U.S. will reduce its military mission in Iraq,” Parnell said in a statement, emphasizing that the decision is a testament to the progress made by Iraqi security forces over the past decade. A senior defense official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, elaborated that the burden of combating ISIS is now shifting from U.S. and coalition troops to Iraqi units who have been extensively trained and equipped by American advisors since 2014.
This transition has been years in the making. At its peak a decade ago, the U.S. military presence in Iraq numbered around 20,000 troops. That figure has steadily declined as local forces gained experience and capability. The current drawdown will leave most remaining U.S. personnel consolidated at a base in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region. A smaller contingent will remain in Baghdad, focused on bilateral security cooperation and maintaining close coordination with both Iraqi authorities and coalition partners.
The U.S. withdrawal has already begun to reshape the military landscape in Iraq. According to a senior Iraqi security official cited by the Associated Press, the process started weeks ago, with American troops departing from Baghdad and the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. The latter location holds particular significance, having been targeted by Iran in 2020 as retaliation for the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Now, only a very small number of American advisers remain at the joint command there, signaling a marked shift in operational priorities.
For many Iraqis and Americans alike, this drawdown is more than a numbers game—it is the latest chapter in the long and often turbulent history of U.S. involvement in the region. Since 2014, American and coalition forces have played a central role in the international effort to defeat ISIS, supporting Iraqi troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in reclaiming territory and dismantling the group’s operational networks. The last major ISIS stronghold fell in 2019, but the group continues to pose a threat, carrying out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria and exploiting ongoing instability in the wider Middle East.
Despite these persistent dangers, U.S. officials are confident that Iraqi security forces are now up to the task. As one senior defense official put it, “Iraqi forces are now capable of handling the IS threat that still exists in the country.” This confidence is not unfounded: after nearly a decade of intensive training, Iraqi troops have demonstrated a growing ability to conduct independent operations, gather intelligence, and coordinate with regional partners.
Still, the U.S. is not abandoning Iraq entirely. The Pentagon has made clear that it will maintain close coordination with Baghdad and other coalition members to ensure a “responsible transition.” This approach echoes the broader U.S. strategy in the region, which favors supporting local partners over direct combat operations. In practical terms, most remaining American troops will be stationed in Erbil, with a smaller presence in Baghdad dedicated to security cooperation and advisory roles—much like U.S. military footprints in other allied nations.
The drawdown in Iraq is also mirrored by similar adjustments in neighboring Syria, where U.S. forces have begun handing over some bases and outposts to local partners. However, according to the Pentagon, there have been no recent withdrawals from Syria, and fewer than 1,000 American troops remain there to support Kurdish allies in ongoing operations against ISIS remnants.
As the U.S. reduces its direct footprint, the fight against ISIS is far from over. Recent American operations have resulted in significant strikes against the group’s leadership, underscoring the continued importance of counterterrorism efforts even amid a broader strategic realignment. These actions serve as a reminder that, while the era of large-scale U.S. deployments in Iraq may be ending, the threat posed by ISIS and other extremist groups remains a pressing concern for both Iraqi and American officials.
Looking forward, the future of the U.S.-Iraq security partnership will be shaped by ongoing diplomatic engagement. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has indicated that further discussions with U.S. officials are scheduled for later this year to “arrange the bilateral security relationship.” These talks are expected to address the pace of the drawdown, the nature of continued cooperation, and the broader regional context—including the potential impact of instability in Syria and tensions with Iran.
The drawdown has sparked a range of reactions within Iraq and the United States. Some Iraqi officials and citizens welcome the move as a long-overdue assertion of national sovereignty, while others express concern about the country’s ability to contain ISIS without robust American support. In Washington, the decision has been framed as a necessary step toward “ending the forever war in Iraq,” reflecting both public fatigue with prolonged military engagements and a strategic shift toward empowering regional partners.
Yet, as history has shown, transitions of this magnitude are rarely straightforward. The success of the drawdown will depend on the continued professionalism of Iraqi security forces, the willingness of coalition partners to provide support when needed, and the ability of both governments to adapt to evolving threats. For now, the U.S. and Iraq remain committed to a “responsible transition,” betting that the lessons of the past two decades can guide them toward a more stable and secure future.
With American troops consolidating in Erbil and Baghdad, and ongoing dialogue between Washington and Baghdad, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new phase in U.S.-Iraq relations delivers on its promise: a safer Iraq, a diminished ISIS threat, and a partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests.
