US Military Aid Cut Threatens Key Middle East Ally

The Trump administration is planning to end a military aid agreement with Iraqi Kurdistan, raising concerns that the move could leave the key U.S. partner more exposed to attacks from Iran. According to four sources familiar with recent discussions, the Pentagon has told Kurdish leaders that Washington does not currently plan to renew an agreement providing security assistance to the Peshmerga forces.

Peshmerga Aid Faces Uncertain Future

The Peshmerga have played a major role alongside U.S. and coalition forces in the fight against Islamic State. The security assistance agreement between the Pentagon and the Kurdish Regional Government is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, as the United States and other coalition members prepare to complete their military withdrawal from Iraq.

The Kurdish security forces received about $61 million in U.S. assistance during fiscal year 2026 for weapons, training and other support. The Pentagon had already proposed ending the funding in its fiscal year 2027 budget request, arguing that the defeat of Islamic State means resources should be redirected.

Iran Threat Raises Concerns

The potential end of U.S. assistance comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iraqi Kurdistan. Iranian forces and Iran-backed groups have carried out numerous missile and drone attacks in the region, including strikes around Irbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdish officials fear that removing American security support could create a power vacuum and give Iran greater room to exert pressure. Analysts have also warned that the Peshmerga could become more vulnerable if the United States reduces its military involvement while Iranian attacks continue.

Washington Reviews Its Next Move

The situation does not appear to be completely settled. Sources familiar with the Pentagon’s thinking said a final decision on the future of U.S. security engagement with Iraqi Kurdistan remains under review. Washington is reportedly considering ways to maintain some level of security assistance even after the broader troop withdrawal.

The United States has also discussed a possible bilateral security agreement with Iraq, although the exact structure of such an arrangement and the role of Iraqi Kurdistan remain unclear.

The planned aid reduction reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce long-term American military involvement in the Middle East. However, the decision could have significant consequences for a Kurdish force that has been a longtime U.S. partner in the fight against Islamic State.

For Iraqi Kurdish leaders, the central concern is whether the end of the current agreement could weaken their defenses at a moment when regional tensions remain high. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Washington ultimately ends the assistance entirely or develops a new form of security support.

Source : bbc.com