The U.S. Department of Defense has submitted its 2027 budget proposal to Congress, allocating hundreds of millions of dollars for military assistance in the region. However, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) will receive almost no funding compared to prior years.

Budget for Countering ISIS

In the FY 2027 budget, the Pentagon requested $303 million for training and equipping partner forces. This funding is designated for operations against ISIS in Iraq, Syria, and the wider region, under the framework of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Sharp Reduction for Peshmerga

Unlike previous years, when MoPA received $57.8 million in FY 2025 and $61.0 million in FY 2026, the FY 2027 allocation drops dramatically. MoPA will receive only $1,354,870, earmarked exclusively for sustainment of Class VIII (medical materials) to support ongoing counter-ISIS operations and training. The document frames this cut as intentional, aiming to encourage MoPA leadership to “continue building independent capabilities” while still ensuring critical medical support.

Allocations for Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan

The proposal sets aside $119 million for Iraq’s security forces, $130 million for U.S.-aligned groups in Syria, $36 million for Lebanon’s armed forces, and $18 million for Jordan’s military.

CENTCOM and Israel Budget

Another section of the FY 2027 budget allocates $4.4 billion to sustain U.S. military operations and protect forces within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. This also includes military support for Israel.