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Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam demanded that Israel halt destructive operations and provide a clear withdrawal timeline, while Hezbollah accused the government of exposing the army to exploitation. U.S. officials called the talks positive but offered no dates.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on August 20 that September 30 is the "fixed and final" deadline to conclude the military mission of the U.S.-led international coalition in Iraq and complete the withdrawal of all troops. A U.S. official confirmed Washington expects to finish its withdrawal before that date.
Analysts say the US-Israel war against Iran, launched on February 28, 2026, is facing strategic defeat, forcing Washington to consider withdrawal. The campaign failed to produce a pliable government in Tehran, and Iran's resilience and technological capabilities have frustrated US objectives. The likely outcome is a US withdrawal with Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz and enhanced deterrence.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sought to calm tensions with the United States, asserting that Washington's troop reduction in Germany is not related to his criticism of Donald Trump's Iran strategy and reaffirming the US remains NATO's key ally. The remarks came after Trump threatened to withdraw troops and imposed new tariffs on EU cars, escalating a transatlantic rift.
The Pentagon is planning to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, blaming European allies' reluctance to take the lead in NATO and criticizing the German chancellor for opposing U.S. military operations in Iran. The reduction aligns with a strategic shift away from Europe toward the Western Hemisphere and Indo-Pacific region.
