Iraq postpones announcement of US-led coalition’s end-date

Iraq has delayed the announcement of an end date for the presence of the U.S.-led military coalition in the country, citing “recent developments” as the reason for the postponement. This decision adds uncertainty to the future of U.S. military involvement in Iraq, especially as tensions escalate across the region.

Iraq’s Higher Military Commission had been preparing to propose a timeline for the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. military mission focused on combating Daesh. However, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry released a statement on Thursday stating that the announcement has been postponed due to unspecified “recent developments.”

Iraq Foreign Ministry said, “There are no U.S. forces in Iraq except for military advisors under the umbrella of the Global Coalition, these advisors are included in the outcomes of the Higher Military Commission work, and both parties are committed to the followed mechanisms and their outcomes.”

Regional tensions and potential Iranian retaliation

The delay comes as tensions in the region intensify, with Israel and the United States on alert for a potential Iranian attack on Israel. The heightened state of alert follows the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, an incident for which Iran blames Israel. Although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, the situation has raised concerns of further conflict.

The Higher Military Commission focused over the past months on assessing the threat of Dae’sh with the aim of reaching a deadline to end the military mission of Operation Inherent Resolve. On this basis, the presence of Global Coalition advisors of all nationalities on Iraqi soil will be ended, these discussions included details of hierarchy of advisors withdrawal from the sites, and all that remained is agreeing on the details, date of the announcement and some other logistical aspects . We were very close to announcing this agreement, but due to the latest developments, the announcement of ending the military mission of the Global Coalition in Iraq was postponed.

Iraq Foreign Ministry

US Troops’ role in Iraq

As of now, approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, operating in an “advise and assist” role since December 2021, when the U.S. military officially ended its combat mission in the country.

The bilateral relations with the United States in all areas, including the security ties, is completely separated from the course of the relationship with the Global Coalition forces, this relationship existed before the coalition and will continue after it. Additionally, the Iraqi delegation discussed the future of the security relations in the areas of training, armament, equipment and security cooperation, in light of what is permitted by the Iraqi constitution and the framework of the strategic agreement between Iraq and the United States.

Iraq Foreign Ministry