US Forces Exit Iraq by Sept. 30 Deadline

The U.S.-led invasion topples Saddam Hussein and begins the American military presence in Iraq.

The U.S. presence peaks at more than 170,000 troops during counterinsurgency operations.

The final U.S. combat troops depart Iraq.

The rise of the Islamic State group and its capture of territory across Iraq and Syria brings U.S. forces back at the Iraqi government's invitation.

Coalition combat operations end after IS loses the territory it held. About 2,500 U.S. troops stay on for training and counter-IS operations with Iraq's military.

Washington and Baghdad agree to wind down the smaller U.S.-led operations against the Islamic State group.

U.S. troops pull out of bases in most areas of Iraq but keep a presence in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region.

The U.S. and Israel launch the war on Iran. Bases in the Kurdish region come under regular attack after that.

Al-Zaidi visits Washington, where the withdrawal deadline is discussed, according to his office.

A drawdown of U.S. troops and equipment from Erbil begins, two Iraqi Kurdish officials told the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

Al-Zaidi meets Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, in Baghdad and declares the Sept. 30 date final.