In brief
In a new US strategy the administration may halt support to Kurdish forces that fought ISIS, sparking worry over a power vacuum and Iran's influence. Talks with Iraqi leaders disclosed no renewals of the security memorandum; Kurdish leaders fear another vacuum as Iran's drone assaults intensify. While the US plans troop withdrawal from Iraq by September, the fate of Peshmerga remains uncertain. The decision could shift regional dynamics, affecting alliances and security cooperation. Experts warn that cutting aid risks empowering Iran, China and Russia in the region.
The Trump administration is in talks that could end its aid to the Kurdish Peshmerga, a key fighting partner that helped defeat ISIS, following a surge of Iranian drones and missiles in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The Department of Defense met with the Kurdish Regional Government and indicated it may not renew an expiring security memorandum that funds weapons, training and payroll for the 180,000‑strong Peshmerga. The memorandum was originally signed in 2016 and was soon renewed in 2022.
Iran has launched over 150 missile and drone attacks inside Iraqi Kurdistan by late May. Kurdish leaders fear a withdrawal of U.S. money would leave the region exposed and give Iran an advantage.
Experts say only a few hundred U.S. troops remain in Iraq today, down from the 170,000 deployed during the height of the war, and the country expects a full troop draw‑down by September 1, ending the remaining U.S. military presence.
The U.S. could still provide limited support to the Peshmerga after the withdrawal, but the final decision is pending and will be debated in Congress.
The move could shift power balances, strengthening Iran, China and Russia in the region while undermining trust between the United States and its Kurdish allies.
