US to End Its Military Presence in Iraq

The US will conclude its participation in military operations in Iraq by December 31, 2021, though it will continue to support Iraqi security forces, according to a joint statement from both countries.

"Delegations during the latest technical discussions decided that the relations in the security sector will entirely shift to training, advising, supporting, and exchanging intelligence, and that no US force will have a military role after December 31, 2021," the joint statement reads, which was accepted following negotiations between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

"The US intends to continue supporting Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga (the regional security forces), to help them build capacities to confront future threats," the statement added.