US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Iraq's sovereignty and security during a meeting with Iraqi Defense Minister Muhammad al-Abbasi at the Pentagon on Tuesday. 

The discussion underscored ongoing efforts to transition the mission of the global coalition against the Islamic State from a combat to a bilateral security partnership.

Austin highlighted the significance of the partnership as the Global Coalition marks its 10th anniversary of efforts to defeat the militant group Daesh, also known as ISIS. "Our bond is especially important as we mark this milestone," a Department of Defense statement quoted Austin as saying, reflecting on the Coalition's achievements. 

The US established the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve in October 2014 to counter ISIS threats in Iraq and Syria.

The two-day Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD) this week, which included participants from US Central Command, the Joint Staff, the State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the National Security Council, focused on transitioning the coalition's mission. 

The dialogue built upon the Higher Military Commission’s work and recent discussions between President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani.

According to Reuters, Iraq has proposed a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops beginning in September, with a complete end to the Coalition's mission by September 2025. The proposal is still under discussion, with no formal agreement reached. 

Some US forces are expected to remain in an advisory role, reflecting ongoing negotiations aimed at maintaining a US presence in Iraq, particularly to support operations in Syria.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller confirmed that discussions this week aim to align the coalition's mission with the evolving threat from ISIS. The U.S. currently maintains around 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of an 80-member coalition formed in 2014.