"Iraqi Officials Seek End to US-Led Forces Presence, Backed by Iran"

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani privately signaled to U.S. officials his desire to negotiate keeping American forces in Iraq, despite his public announcement of initiating their removal. The U.S. sees its presence in Iraq as crucial for countering ISIS and Iranian influence. However, political pressures in Iraq could force al-Sudani to take steps to remove American forces. The recent U.S. drone strike in Baghdad has sparked public uproar in Iraq, leading to the government's announcement of forming a committee to end the U.S.-led international military coalition's presence. The Pentagon has stated that it has no plans to withdraw forces from Iraq and is not aware of any notification from the Iraqi government to do so.