USA withdraws troops from Iraq – what does that mean for the region?

USA withdraws troops from Iraq – what does that mean for the region?

The US military presence in Iraq is facing a new beginning. In recent days there have been significant talks between Washington and Baghdad aimed at gradually reducing American troops. Loud Radio Wuppertal The US has decided to withdraw some of its soldiers from bases in Iraq. The Ain al-Assad military base in Anbar province and the Victoria base near Baghdad airport are affected.

The withdrawal comes under an agreement reached between the governments of Baghdad and Washington. Up to hundreds of troops are expected to leave Iraq by the end of September 2025, and the entire withdrawal of coalition troops, including US and German military personnel, could be completed by the end of 2026. This also confirms The press, quoted by an insider who points out that the details of the agreement have yet to be officially approved by both governments.

The context of the deduction

The United States, which invaded Iraq in 2003 and toppled Saddam Hussein's government, had gradually changed its military presence in recent years. The first withdrawal took place in 2011, but American troops returned in 2014 to fight against the militant IS. Although IS is now considered to have been defeated militarily, proactive IS cells are still active and carrying out attacks, which continues to threaten security in Iraq.

To support Iraqi security forces during this challenging time, some U.S. soldiers remain at the post in advisory roles and as instructors. However, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani is under pressure, particularly from groups loyal to Iran, who are demanding a quicker return of US troops. That could give him the opportunity to strengthen himself politically and balance relations with both Washington and Tehran.

Strategic considerations

The military restructuring is carried out according to a precisely developed plan. The approximately 2,500 US soldiers currently in Iraq are expected to be relocated to the Kurdish part of the country and Kuwait. The German Bundeswehr, which is conducting a training mission in Iraq, is also affected by the changes. Around 300 Bundeswehr soldiers are currently stationed in Baghdad, Erbil and Jordan. The German wave reported that coalition troops should end their presence at the various bases in Iraq by the end of September 2025 at the latest.

In an environment heavily criticized by pro-Iranian militias, security will continue to be a sensitive issue because of the possibility that a withdrawal could leave a vacuum that could be exploited by such groups and IS remnants. The US government therefore remains vigilant and has made it clear that troops will not be withdrawn completely. However, the international coalition's deployment against IS in Syria will continue in order to avoid further destabilization of the region.

The coming weeks and months could be crucial for Iraq and its security architecture. The first phase of the withdrawal comes a month before the Iraqi parliamentary elections in October 2025. The Iraqi prime minister therefore faces the challenge of navigating the political landscape with the upcoming changes in the military presence.