The United States no longer believes a military presence is necessary in Iraq, as the country is now capable of standing on its own, according to recent statements. Iran's weakening has been cited as a key factor in this assessment, with Baghdad poised to take full control of its security. The planned end of the US-led coalition mission in 2026 is expected to mark a significant shift in the US-Iraq partnership.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Zaidi has echoed this vision, stating that armed factions operating outside state control will no longer be justified once the coalition mission concludes. He emphasized that Iraq's security forces will be capable of protecting the country on their own and that limiting weapons to the state is a necessary decision. Al-Zaidi summarized the transition by saying that US forces will withdraw from Iraq, while US companies will establish a presence in the country.
The US partnership with Iraq is set to shift away from military cooperation toward investment and energy development. This transition marks a significant change for a country once synonymous with conflict and violence. The improved security environment has been attributed to Iran's destabilization, with its military now being a fraction of what it was in the past. This shift underscores a new era in US-Iraq relations, with a focus on economic cooperation and development.
The US has long pressed Iraq to bring powerful militias under state control, and a 2024 agreement paved the way for the end of the US-led coalition's military mission in Iraq. The drawdown of US forces began in September 2025, with American troops remaining in an advisory role to support counter-ISIS operations. The number of US troops in Iraq has decreased significantly over the years, from a peak of 170,000 in 2007 to around 2,500 prior to the drawdown.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, has been praised by US leaders for his efforts to strengthen Iraq's security and economy. His rise to power has been seen as a positive development in US-Iraq relations, with the US seeking to promote economic investment and development in the country. The shift in the US-Iraq partnership is expected to have significant implications for the region, with Iraq poised to become a key player in regional affairs.
The improved security environment in Iraq has been cited as a key factor in the planned transition from a military to an economic partnership. The US has announced plans for significant investments in Iraq's energy sector, with billions of dollars earmarked for development projects. This investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Iraq's future, with the US seeking to promote economic growth and stability in the region.
