Pentagon denies reports of US troop withdrawal from Iraq

(Patria) – The United States does not intend to withdraw troops from Iraq, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday.

He thus refuted media reports about an alleged letter from U.S. military circles informing Iraqi officials of the repositioning of troops in preparation for withdrawal.

Recall, on Sunday, the Iraqi parliament voted on a proposal to terminate the agreement with the U.S. under which about 5,000 troops have been stationed in Iraq since 2014. However, the parliament's decision is not legally binding until approved by the country's government.

Reuters reported that the U.S. military letter stated that coalition forces led by the U.S. would be evacuated by helicopter. On Monday evening, several helicopters flew over Baghdad, but it has not yet been confirmed that this is related to an evacuation.

Moreover, as Esper himself told reporters, 'there was no decision to leave Iraq,' nor any plans to prepare for such a move. 'I don't know what letter this is about... We are trying to find out where it even came from. But there was no decision to leave Iraq. Period,' Esper was categorical.

He also emphasized that Washington remains committed to the fight against ISIL in Iraq, together with allies and partners.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi told the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad that both nations need to implement the Iraqi parliament's decision, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

The killing of Iranian General Soleimani, which sparked a massive wave of anger in Iran and Iraq, has raised fears worldwide (including in the U.S.) of a possible escalation of long-term tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which could spill over into a regional conflict.

At the same time, the Trump administration refused to issue a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday.

After Tehran announced on Sunday that it would cease complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal limiting uranium enrichment and stockpiling, the UN Security Council may reimpose sanctions lifted in 2015 under this agreement, according to Reuters sources.

The above claims are confirmed by the French foreign minister, who hinted that European powers are considering a new resolution process that could lead to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.