(Baghdad, Iraq) -- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is being briefed on the status of U.S. forces in Iraq following yesterday's turnover of cities to the Iraqi military.

Hutchison says all the indicators for improved security conditions in Iraq are moving in the right direction, but it is still too early to predict success with the potential for a return to sectarian conflict and the malevolent influence of Iran.

She met with soldiers from Texas as U.S. forces draw down their presence in Iraqi cities and says their spirits are high because they are accomplishing their mission.

U.S. military combat teams remain positioned outside Iraqi cities to provide backup if necessary.

Soldiers will also continue training and providing advice and assistance to the Iraqi forces as outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement.

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