Govind TekaleThe U.S. military is conducting a review of its support to the Kurdish Peshmerga force in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, as the international coalition fighting ISIS continues to adjust its approach in the Middle East. The question isn’t whether support will continue, but how it will be structured and funded moving forward.
The U.S. provides support to the Peshmerga through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. This framework covers training, advisory operations, and security assistance. The arrangement was confirmed active as of August 11, 2026, according to U.S. Department of Defense statements.
The support mechanism involves the Security Assistance Mentors and Cultural Advisors (SAMCA) program, which places American military advisors embedded with Kurdish forces. This confirms that training and advisory support involving the Peshmerga remains active. The MOU is set to expire September 30, 2026—a date that matters because renewal negotiations may influence the review.
Why the Pentagon review now? The Kurdistan Region has continued to face drone threats, including an August 14, 2026 incident in which regional authorities reported interceptions over Erbil of 3 bomb-laden drones. These attacks underscore the ongoing security challenges facing the Peshmerga and their coalition partners. At the same time, Germany ended its military mission to the region in August 2026, shifting the dynamics of allied support.
The funding picture remains complex. The review will likely focus on how assistance flows to the Peshmerga—whether through direct bilateral channels, multilateral coalition mechanisms, or training and advisory partnerships. Pentagon officials have indicated that clarifying these funding streams is part of the ongoing assessment.
Historically, the Peshmerga were a major partner force in the international campaign against ISIS, taking on significant frontline combat roles while coalition forces provided air support and training. That partnership remains strategically important for U.S. interests in the region.
The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and KRG has evolved since the 2014-2017 period when the anti-ISIS campaign dominated regional military operations. The Pentagon review reflects the reality that military assistance isn’t static—it adapts as regional conditions, threat levels, and strategic priorities shift.
For the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region government, the September 30 MOU expiration date creates a natural checkpoint. Renewal negotiations will likely coincide with the Pentagon’s broader assessment of how to structure future support.
