ERBIL — Iraq has decided to postpone the withdrawal of US forces, initially planned for September 2025, by at least three years, citing evolving regional security concerns. 

The decision was conveyed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani during his recent visit to Tehran, Al-Ain al-Akhbariya reported.  

Sudani, on his third trip to Tehran since assuming office in October 2022, met with Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. He emphasized the need for a continued US presence, citing the escalating situation in Syria and its potential spillover into Iraq.  

An Iraqi official accompanying Sudani explained that the Syrian crisis, marked by mounting tensions and uncertainty, poses a direct security threat to Iraq. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for US support to mitigate potential consequences and maintain regional stability.  

This decision comes after the September 2024 announcement of a two-phase transition plan for the Combined Joint Task Force-Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) operations in Iraq. Under the plan, coalition forces were to conclude their military mission by September 2025, with a second phase extending counter-IS support in Syria through Iraq until at least September 2026. However, recent developments in Syria appear to have altered the timeline.  

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed strong opposition to the extended US military presence, calling it “illegal” and urging resistance against what he termed an “occupation.” Khamenei also advocated for bolstering Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) instead of relying on foreign troops.  

Additionally, Khamenei reportedly sought assurances from Sudani that US forces would not use Iraqi airspace to target Iran or its allied factions. Despite these concerns, Sudani underscored Iraq’s need to maintain international partnerships for security purposes.  

Approximately 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq as part of the international coalition, with an additional 900 personnel stationed in Syria. The coalition has played a pivotal role in combating Islamic State (IS), which controlled significant territory in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2017 and 2019, respectively.  

While IS’s operational capacity has diminished, the group continues to pose threats in remote areas, necessitating sustained counterterrorism efforts. Iraq’s decision to delay the withdrawal reflects its balancing act between addressing domestic security challenges and navigating regional pressures.  

The evolving dynamics underscore Iraq’s complex security landscape as it seeks to stabilize its borders while managing relationships with key international and regional players.