The United States has officially withdrawn its last troops from Iraq, ending more than 20 years of military presence that claimed the lives of over 4,500 Americans. The departure, completed on Wednesday, is being hailed as a victory by Iran and its allies, who now wield significant influence in the country.
The withdrawal was first agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and carried out by the Donald Trump administration, even as Washington continues its confrontation with Tehran. While many Iraqis welcomed the exit as a long‑awaited assertion of sovereignty, security experts warn the move could leave Iraq vulnerable to Iran‑backed militias and potentially open the door for a resurgence of Islamic State.
The U.S. military’s exit marks the end of a chapter that began with the 2003 invasion, reshaping Iraq’s political and security landscape. Analysts say the vacuum left behind may tilt the balance of power further toward Tehran, complicating regional stability.
For Iraqis, the moment is bittersweet — celebrated as freedom from foreign troops, yet shadowed by fears of escalating militia dominance and renewed extremist threats.
