US and Iraq Begin Formal Talks on Troop Withdrawal

Discussions commence amidst increasing attacks on US forces by Iran-allied groups.

The United States and Iraq have begun formal talks on the future of US and other foreign troops in the country, with the aim of reducing their presence.
Currently, there are about 2,500 US troops still deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition that was formed in 2014 to combat the Islamic State group.
The commencement of these talks comes amidst frequent attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria by Iran-allied groups, in retaliation for US support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of coalition forces, especially after a US airstrike in January 2020 killed Iranian top commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of Iran-backed militias, has claimed credit for the decision to discuss withdrawal, stating that it proves that the Americans only understand the language of force.