Story perspectives

Iraq Sets September 30, 2026 Deadline for U.S. Withdrawal

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 3:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iraq and the United States are completing the final U.S. troop withdrawal by September 30, 2026.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set September 30 as the firm deadline to end the U.S.-led coalition mission.
Al-Zaidi postponed militia disarmament until June 2027, tying it to the troop exit.
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani warned the withdrawal leaves the region exposed after 1,000 drone and missile attacks since February 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 U.S.–Iraq Status of Forces Agreement required all U.S. combat forces to leave by 31 December 2011, and the final troops withdrew in mid-December 2011 after a 2007 peak of 170,300 soldiers. After re-entering against ISIL, the combat mission ended in December 2021 with roughly 2,500 troops left. In September 2024 President Biden set a 2026 exit deadline, which Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi links to militia disarmament.

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Story summary

Iraq and the United States are completing the final U.S. troop withdrawal by September 30, 2026.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set September 30 as the firm deadline to end the U.S.-led coalition mission.
Al-Zaidi postponed militia disarmament until June 2027, tying it to the troop exit.
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani warned the withdrawal leaves the region exposed after 1,000 drone and missile attacks since February 2026.

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