US and Iraq announce withdrawal of all American troops by end of September

Published Jul 17, 11:39 AM UTC

On July 14, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Zaidi met in Washington and announced the withdrawal of the last American soldiers from Iraq by the end of September. Trump stated, 'We don’t think we need the troops there anymore.' The move ends a nearly 25-year US military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. Both leaders emphasized that the withdrawal does not sever bilateral relations or halt US industrial investment in Iraq. Prime Minister al-Zaidi urged continued US investment. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conditioned further US engagement on Iraq disarming Iran-linked militias. The article notes the conflict's toll: nearly 4,500 US soldiers killed, over 30,000 wounded, and costs exceeding $1 trillion. The withdrawal follows a 2014 return of troops for Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, with remaining forces recently stationed at Erbil air base and protecting diplomatic missions.