"Iraq and US Negotiate Troop Drawdown Amid Rising Tensions"

Iraq and the U.S.-led military coalition have resumed talks on the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq, with the aim of transitioning forces from their role in combating the Islamic State. The discussions were paused after Iran-backed militants attacked a U.S. outpost, leading to retaliatory strikes by the U.S. The meetings will continue as long as the peace of the talks is not disturbed, as Iraq seeks to balance its ties with the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. blames Kataib Hezbollah for attacks on its facilities, prompting airstrikes, while Iraq has condemned these actions. Notably, there have been no additional strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq since Feb. 4.