Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Moves to End U.S. Military Aid to Iraq’s Peshmerga
8/29/2026, 4:39:15 AM
Planned End of U.S. Security Assistance to the Peshmerga
U.S. officials have told leaders of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) providing security assistance to the Peshmerga will not be renewed. The MoU is set to expire on September 30, the same day the United States and coalition partners will complete their final troop withdrawal from Iraq. The Pentagon’s FY 2027 budget request proposes cutting all aid to the Kurdish force, arguing that the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) allows the funds to be reallocated. The request remains on hold amid a broader congressional budget dispute.
Background: U.S. Involvement and Recent Developments
The Peshmerga, a Kurdish security force of roughly 180,000 troops, fought alongside U.S. and coalition forces to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria. In fiscal year 2026 the force received $61 million for weapons, training and stipends through the Pentagon’s counter-IS programme. Since the start of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, Iranian-backed militias have launched 158 missile or drone attacks inside Iraqi Kurdistan, according to research by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The United States is also closing its sole remaining base in Irbil next month, following the broader withdrawal.
Official Statements & Responses
A Department of Defense statement summarising Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi highlighted “tremendous success in defeating ISIS” and noted that Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, will lead the fight against remaining terrorist threats. Michael Rigas, a senior State Department official, described the new U.S.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's money well spent, as we found out when the Islamic State rolled into northern Iraq,” — James Jeffrey
