WASHINGTON — The Bush administration, failing to reach agreement on a military cooperation accord, has dangled the prospect of a major reduction of forces in Iraq.

Officials acknowledged that Iraq and the United States have failed to reach agreement on a so-called Status of Forces accord, meant to replace a United Nations mandate that expires in late 2008. They said a key dispute was over the length of the agreement — which would enable U.S. military deployment in Iraq — as well immunity for American troops from Iraqi prosecution.

Instead, Iraq and the United States have agreed to embark on an interim military agreement for only 2009. Officials said efforts to reach a long-term agreement would resume under the next U.S. administration.

Officials said the Pentagon was examining a plan to reduce the U.S. presence in Iraq by about 11,000 troops by 2009. They said this would reduce the overall U.S. military presence to less than 130,000, the lowest level since 2006.

The U.S. military has not yet relayed its recommendations on future deployment in Iraq. Officials said outgoing U.S. military commander Gen. David Petraeus was preparing to complete the review and recommendations by September 2008.

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