Media reports say the U.S. Defense Department may withdraw tens of thousands of troops from Iraq by early next year.
CNN television and The New York Times say U.S. commanders are considering the reduction because of progress against insurgents and in training Iraqi security forces.
The reports say the number of U.S. troops in Iraq could drop to 105,000, a reduction of about 37,000 troops.
It says the size and timing of any withdrawal would depend on Iraq's security situation, the wishes of the new Iraqi government, and the competence of the newly trained Iraqi forces.
The Pentagon says more than 150,000 Iraqis have been trained for police or military duty. But the U.S. Government Accountability Office says that figure is inflated, noting that many police do not show up for duty.