ALBAWABA - Iraqi Defense Minister Sabit Abbasi has revealed that the Iraqi government has reached an agreement with the United States for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq within the next two years.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath TV, Abbasi explained that the troop withdrawal will be implemented in two stages. The first phase is set to start this year and will extend into 2025, while the second phase is expected to conclude by 2026.
Abbasi also mentioned that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had requested an additional year beyond the two-year timeframe for the withdrawal. However, the Iraqi government has declined to extend the deadline.
The Defense Minister indicated that the formal agreement between Iraq and the U.S. will be signed in the near future.
