President Donald Trump celebrated the conclusion of the United States’ 12‑year mission in Iraq, calling the withdrawal a “very expensive excursion into Hell” that has now ended with an orderly departure. The final U.S. troops left an air base in Irbil, the semi‑autonomous Kurdish region, under a deal between Baghdad and Washington.
Trump’s remarks emphasize victory and partnership
In a social‑media post, President Trump described the Sept. 30 deadline as “orderly” and later, at a White House event honoring Hispanic Americans, he said the exit marked the end of a “quagmire” that had lasted many years. He called the shift a triumph for the United States, Iraq and a clear sign of progress against the Islamic State group.
Trump also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, calling him “outstanding” and a “fantastic guy, friend of mine,” and suggested that al‑Zaidi’s leadership would handle the next phase of Iraq’s security well. The President noted his own role in shaping the broader regional strategy, comparing the swift action in Venezuela and the ongoing war with Iran favorably to the protracted Iraq conflict.
Pentagon confirms orderly departure
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a statement confirming that U.S. troops and equipment completed an “orderly departure” from the Irbil air base. He highlighted the mission’s success in defeating ISIS as an organized military threat across Iraq and the region, and described the transition to an Iraqi‑led security effort supported by a “more normal bilateral security relationship.” The U.S. will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners.
Iraqi leadership welcomes new phase
Prime Minister al‑Zaidi presided over the hand‑over ceremony, describing the withdrawal as the start of a “new phase” defined by Iraq’s sovereignty, strong institutions, ready forces and balanced partnerships. He affirmed that Iraqi security forces will keep fighting ISIS remnants and that the government will work to prevent non‑state groups from holding weapons.
While the Iraqi government and Iran‑backed militias have expressed differing views, the official narrative emphasizes Iraq’s growing strength and independence. Some critics in the Kurdish region voiced concerns about a possible resurgence of ISIS and the loss of U.S. air‑defense systems, but the overall message from Baghdad is one of confidence in its own security capabilities.
Regional context and future challenges
The withdrawal occurs amid the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict, which has occasionally spilled over into Iraq, with Iran‑backed militias targeting U.S. forces and the United States striking militia strongholds. The Trump administration’s broader strategy has shifted focus from the Middle East toward Asia, yet it remains committed to supporting allies and countering extremist threats where they arise.
Militia disarmament remains an unresolved issue. The original Sept. 30 deadline for disarming non‑state armed groups was extended, with al‑Zaidi indicating a new target of June 2027. While a few smaller militias have surrendered weapons, larger Iran‑aligned groups have set conditions the government deems unlikely to meet.
Iran‑aligned factions, such as Kataib Hezbollah, have celebrated the U.S. exit, calling it the end of an occupation and a step toward full Iraqi sovereignty. However, they also warned against any government that does not serve the people’s interests.
Implications for U.S. foreign policy
The successful conclusion of the Iraq mission underscores President Trump’s commitment to decisive action and the protection of American lives. By ending a costly, long‑running engagement, the administration demonstrates fiscal responsibility and a focus on core national interests, while still providing the training and intelligence needed for Iraq to maintain its own security.
As the United States continues to recalibrate its global posture, the Iraq withdrawal serves as a concrete example of the Trump administration’s resolve to end endless wars, support sovereign partners and prioritize American taxpayers.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
