Trump Announces U.S. Military Withdrawal from Iraq by September 30

President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced on July 14, 2026, that the United States will completely withdraw its remaining military forces—fewer than 2,000 troops—from Iraq by September 30. This ends a 23-year presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The Pentagon noted the move reaffirms a 2024 agreement to conclude the mission against the Islamic State, as counter-terrorism burdens have shifted to U.S.-trained Iraqi troops.

The withdrawal coincides with a strategic pivot toward economic and energy partnerships. During the White House visit, Trump praised his "tremendous chemistry" with al-Zaidi and emphasized the unprecedented entry of American oil companies into Iraq. Key developments include a planned Friday agreement between Iraq, Qatar's UCC, Chevron, and TI Capital to construct an oil pipeline connecting Basra and Haditha to ports in Turkey and Syria.

In exchange for the military exit, al-Zaidi pledged that Iran-backed militias and non-state armed groups would disarm by September 30. However, some factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces have rejected these orders. Trump stated that future U.S. decisions regarding the bilateral relationship will depend on Baghdad's progress in dismantling these groups.

This diplomatic shift occurs against a backdrop of escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Simultaneously with the Iraq talks, Trump declared a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran void and threatened to "knock out" Iranian power plants and bridges. U.S. Central Command has already struck approximately 80 targets across Iran and reimposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.