US troops to leave key bases in Iraq under new agreement

The U.S. has reached a new agreement with Iraq to end its military mission against the Islamic State by next year. U.S. troops will begin leaving key bases, including Ain al-Asad and Baghdad International Airport, after the November elections. The transition will occur in two phases. The first phase, ending in September 2025, will see the withdrawal from some longstanding bases. The second phase will allow U.S. operations to continue in Iraq until 2026 to support counter-ISIS efforts in Syria. Iraqi officials have long sought a reduction of foreign troops. The agreement reflects ongoing discussions about the U.S. military presence, which has been a contentious issue amid rising tensions in the region.