Washington confirmed on Wednesday that the last U.S. troops have left Iraq, ending a presence that began with the 2003 invasion and continued through a 12‑year campaign against the Islamic State. The handover ceremony in Erbil was overseen by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, who described the departure as the start of a new era of Iraqi sovereignty and stronger national institutions.
Trump Administration’s Role
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the withdrawal reflects the success of the campaign that “defeated ISIS as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region.” He added that the United States is moving from a wartime coalition to a partnership that supports Iraq’s own security forces in a “more normal bilateral security relationship.”
Background of the Mission
At its peak, the U.S. stationed roughly 170,000 troops in Iraq under the Obama administration. After the 2011 drawdown, about 5,000 troops returned in 2014 at the request of the Iraqi government to help defeat ISIS. Since December 2021, roughly 2,500 U.S. service members have remained in an advisory capacity, training Iraqi forces.
Regional Reactions
The exit was welcomed by the Iraqi government and the Pentagon, but it was also celebrated by Iran‑aligned militias. One such group, As’hab al‑Kahf, called the withdrawal “humiliating” for the United States. Iranian‑backed militia commander Harakat al‑Nujaba, speaking anonymously, framed the pullout as a victory for the “resistance axis” and warned against any foreign occupation.
Challenges Ahead
Experts caution that Iraq now faces a daunting task: disarming Iran‑backed militias that have entrenched political, financial, and military influence. International Crisis Group deputy program director Lahib Higel said it will be “quite an impossible task” to quickly neutralize these groups while Tehran remains in power.
Trump’s Strategic Decisions
President Trump’s administration took decisive action earlier this year by launching a limited war against Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The administration framed that strike as a necessary response to Iranian proxy attacks on U.S. personnel and a clear signal that aggression will not be tolerated.
What Comes Next for Iraq
Prime Minister al‑Zaidi pledged that “no weapon outside the umbrella of the law, and no force outside the state’s institutions” will be permitted. The Iraqi government now bears primary responsibility for addressing remaining security challenges, including the remnants of ISIS and the presence of Iran‑aligned militias.
Regional Implications
The withdrawal occurs as several Middle‑East governments are working to curb Iran’s militia network. Recent Israeli operations have weakened Hezbollah in Lebanon, and shifting dynamics in Syria have reduced Tehran’s foothold there. Nonetheless, Iran continues to seek influence in Iraq, using allied politicians, militias, and media outlets to maintain a strategic presence.
While the United States has completed its physical exit, the Trump administration emphasizes continued diplomatic and economic support for a stable, sovereign Iraq that can protect its own borders and uphold the rule of law.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
