The United States is reviewing an Iraqi request for American forces to remain in the country beyond their scheduled December pull-out.

Iraqi officials are calling for an unspecified number of U.S. troops to stay in the country as military trainers without legal immunity, meaning the trainers would not escape prosecution if they commit crimes while on duty.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Wednesday U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey is consulting with Iraqi officials on details of the plan. But she said the United States demands its forces have immunity protections during long-term deployments.

The United States has said it wants its troops to have legal protections similar to those under the current security arrangement. That would mean allowing Iraq some jurisdiction over American forces for certain crimes committed outside duty. But the United States would retain prime responsibility for crimes committed during duty or on its bases.

There are approximately 43,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. Under the 2008 security arrangement, all are required to leave by the end of the year.