U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq on September 30, 2026, marking the end of a long military presence in the country. The withdrawal led to celebrations in Baghdad, but also raised concerns about future stability. Thousands gathered in the capital as Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi described the withdrawal as an opportunity for Iraq's sovereignty and institutional strength. However, ongoing conflicts in the region, including attacks on U.S. bases in the Kurdish region, have led to fears of increased threats from Iran-backed groups and the resurgence of the Islamic State.
The withdrawal was part of an agreement made two years prior under former President Biden and executed by President Trump. The Pentagon characterized the departure as a milestone reflecting the success of a 12-year campaign against ISIS, while noting that the U.S. would continue to provide training and intelligence support, albeit at a reduced scale compared to previous decades of military involvement.
U.S. forces initially invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to the ousting of Saddam Hussein. Following a first withdrawal in 2011, U.S. troops returned in 2014 to assist in the fight against ISIS. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 U.S. service members and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians.
James Jeffrey, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, stated that the withdrawal signifies a completed mission, while Feisal Istrabadi, former Iraqi Ambassador to the U.N., expressed skepticism about the ability of Iraqi forces to maintain security amid regional tensions. Both emphasized the need for Iraq to foster internal dialogue rather than relying on U.S. intervention. As the chapter of U.S. military involvement closes, the future of Iraq remains uncertain, with ongoing concerns about the influence of Iran and the potential for internal conflict.