The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq, marking a major change in the security relationship between Washington and Baghdad after more than two decades of American military involvement. The withdrawal was completed on September 30, 2026, according to the U.S. military and reports from AP and Reuters.
A major transition for Iraq
The final American troops and equipment have left Iraq as Baghdad assumes greater responsibility for national security. The withdrawal follows an agreement reached in 2024 and carried out by the Trump administration while the United States continues to manage broader security challenges in the region.
The U.S. military presence in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion and later changed substantially after the rise of Islamic State. American forces returned in a major counter-ISIS role and spent years working with Iraqi and Kurdish security forces.
The end of the anti-ISIS mission
AP reported that the withdrawal ends the U.S. military’s 12-year campaign against Islamic State in Iraq. The United States will continue a bilateral security relationship with Baghdad, including limited training and intelligence cooperation, while its military posture in the wider region continues to evolve.
The end of the troop presence does not mean the Islamic State threat has disappeared. The group no longer controls large territories as it did during its peak, but remnants and sleeper cells remain a security concern. Iraqi forces will therefore have to continue intelligence, counterterrorism and border-security operations.
Why Iran’s influence is being watched
Iraq occupies a strategically important position between Iran and the Arab Gulf states. Iran has developed extensive political and military relationships inside Iraq, including ties with armed groups that have significant influence in the country’s political system.
The U.S. withdrawal is being closely watched because some Iran-backed groups have opposed the continued American military presence. Reuters reported that Iran and allied groups celebrated the departure as a victory, while analysts warned that some militias could feel more confident about expanding their influence.
Security concerns after the withdrawal
The future of Iraqi security will depend on the ability of government institutions to manage armed groups, prevent an ISIS resurgence and maintain control over national territory. Iraq’s security forces have expanded considerably since 2003, but the country still faces complex political and military challenges.
The Kurdish region in northern Iraq has its own security concerns. AP reported that the area experienced more than 1,000 drone and missile attacks during the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. American bases had previously been targeted, contributing to the security pressure surrounding the withdrawal.
What the United States will continue doing
The end of the U.S. troop presence in Iraq does not end all American involvement in the region. Washington retains military capabilities in neighboring countries and continues operations connected with regional security and the fight against Islamic State in Syria.
The United States can also maintain intelligence and diplomatic relationships with Iraqi authorities. These relationships may become increasingly important as Baghdad takes greater responsibility for security decisions.
Political significance inside Iraq
The withdrawal is significant for Iraqi sovereignty because it places more responsibility on the Iraqi state. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the departure as a milestone in the country’s move toward greater control over its own security, according to AP.
At the same time, Iraq must balance relationships with Washington, Tehran and other regional powers. The country has frequently become a venue for competition between the United States and Iran, making its foreign and security policies particularly sensitive.
The future of armed groups
One of the most difficult questions is the future of non-state militias. Some powerful Iran-backed groups have resisted calls for disarmament, while Iraqi authorities have sought to maintain state control over weapons and security decisions.
The government has postponed a militia disarmament deadline to June 2027, according to AP. The ability of Baghdad to manage this issue will influence Iraq’s internal political balance and its relationships with neighboring countries.
Regional implications
The withdrawal comes during a period of intense regional tension involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The conflict has affected energy markets, shipping routes and security conditions across the Middle East. Iraq’s location means developments in neighboring countries can quickly affect its own security.
For Washington, reducing the number of troops in Iraq changes the military footprint while maintaining other regional capabilities. For Baghdad, the withdrawal means greater responsibility for preventing armed groups from using Iraqi territory to attack neighboring countries or foreign forces.
What happens next
The coming months will show how Iraq manages the transition. Security forces will have to maintain counterterrorism operations while political leaders address militia influence and relations with regional powers. The United States will also have to decide how its intelligence, diplomatic and regional military relationships evolve.
The withdrawal is therefore better understood as a change in the form of the U.S.-Iraq relationship rather than the complete end of cooperation. Both governments retain interests in counterterrorism, economic relations and regional stability.
Bottom line
The completion of the U.S. military withdrawal marks a major turning point in Iraq’s post-2003 history. Iraqi forces now carry greater responsibility for national security, while Washington shifts toward a less visible security relationship. The key questions will be whether Iraq can contain remaining extremist threats, manage armed groups and maintain a balanced foreign policy in a region where competition between major powers remains intense.
Sources: Associated Press and Reuters. More world news: NewsNationOnline International News.
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