US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced that the United States and Iraq have agreed to begin discussions on the future of the US-led military coalition in Iraq. These talks are aimed at establishing a timetable for a phased withdrawal of troops and eventual end to the coalition’s mission. The decision to initiate these talks comes after years of US presence in Iraq, with combat forces leaving in 2011 but returning in 2014 to help in the fight against ISIL (ISIS).
The Iraqi government has expressed its intention to develop a clear timetable for the presence of international coalition advisors in the country and to gradually reduce their numbers until the coalition mission comes to an end. The safety of the coalition’s advisors and the prevention of escalation are also top priorities for Iraq during this negotiation period.
Secretary of Defense Austin emphasized that these discussions were agreed upon as part of a previous military commission and will focus on transitioning to a long-lasting bilateral security partnership between Iraq and the United States.
While Iraq believes that the coalition’s mission is complete and is eager to explore establishing bilateral relations with coalition members for military cooperation, it also highlights the instability that the presence of US forces has attracted, particularly from Iran-backed armed groups. Both US and Iraqi officials stress that the process of withdrawal will take time, with the outcome still uncertain and no immediate plans for the withdrawal of US forces. This cautious approach is due to concerns that a hasty withdrawal could create a security vacuum that could be exploited by Iran or a resurgence of ISIL.