US, Iraq to initiate talks on Coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq

American soldiers clean up the aftermath of an Iranian militia attack on the Iraqi base of Ain al-Assad – AFP
American soldiers clean up the aftermath of an Iranian militia attack on the Iraqi base of Ain al-Assad – AFP

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States and Iraq are planning to initiate talks on ending a U.S.-led Global Coalition in Iraq and transitioning to bilateral relations. This progress was delayed by the Gaza war.

The U.S. sent a letter to the Iraqi Foreign Minister through the U.S. Ambassador, indicating a willingness to engage in talks without preconditions, even if attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militant groups continue, Reuters reported citing three sources.

Iraq’s foreign ministry acknowledged receiving an important letter and stated that the prime minister would carefully examine it.

The talks are expected to last for several months or more, and it remains uncertain what the outcome will be or if there will be an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops, according to Reuters report.

Currently, the U.S. has 2,500 troops in Iraq whose role is to support and advise local forces in order to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). However, the mission’s presence in Iraq is facing increasing pressure.

Iraq, a rare ally of both Iran and the U.S., has seen increasing back-and-forth attacks between militias and U.S. forces since the Gaza war, as the militias are pressuring the U.S. over its support for Israel.

The escalating violence has prompted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to call for the swift exit of U.S.-led coalition forces through negotiations. This process was first initiated in 2023 but was halted during the Gaza war.

Washington was initially reluctant to negotiate a withdrawal while under attack, concerned about appearing coerced and empowering Iran. However, “it changed its stance when it realized the attacks would not stop and the situation was escalating,” two of the sources said.

“The U.S. and Iraq are close to agreement on starting the Higher Military Commission dialogue that was announced back in August,” a U.S. official said.

According to the sources the commission would enable a joint assessment of Iraq’s security forces’ capability to fight ISIS and shape the bilateral security relationship.

Reuters cited the official saying “We have been discussing this for months. The timing is not related to recent attacks. The U.S. will maintain full right of self-defense during the talks.”

The Iraqi militias, closely tied to Iran, have been behind the attacks. These militias hold significant influence despite lacking representation in parliament or government.

The report concluded that the Iraqi and U.S. officials believe that starting the talks could relieve political pressure on the Iraqi government and potentially reduce attacks on U.S. forces.

By Shella Abdulhalim