Sean Parnell

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell has issued a statement announcing the conclusion of the U.S. military mission in Iraq. The announcement, released by the Pentagon, marks the formal end of the American military mission in the country. The statement is drawing attention as it signals a significant shift in the U.S. military posture in Iraq, with details about future arrangements and implications still awaited.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing to double cuts to generals and admirals as part of a major Pentagon restructuring, according to reports. Meanwhile, Hegseth said US forces will guard election computer systems during the midterms following changes to election monitoring, and senators are resisting his Army secretary nominee Sean Parnell, leaving the confirmation an uphill battle.