US troops to withdraw from Iraq within 2 years, Iraqi defense minister confirms

Iraq’s Defense Minister, Thabit Abbasi, has announced an agreement with Washington to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq within two years.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath, Abbasi revealed that U.S. forces will exit in two phases. “We have agreed to end the mission of the U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq in two stages. The first phase will commence this year and continue until 2025, while the second phase will conclude in 2026,” Abbasi stated.

He also mentioned that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had requested an additional year, citing concerns that the two-year period might not be sufficient. However, Baghdad rejected any extension beyond the agreed timeframe.

Abbasi confirmed that the formal agreement on the withdrawal will be signed in the coming days.