US forces exit Iraq after two decades, leaving opening for Iran

By Wednesday, the United States is set to leave its last bases in Iraq, marking the end of over two decades of military involvement. This withdrawal, agreed upon in 2024, has drawn mixed reactions in Baghdad. Iranian officials and their allies view it as a victory, while Iraqi security officials and analysts express concerns that the US presence has served as a counterweight to Tehran's influence in the region.

Pro-Iranian militia groups are likely to portray the withdrawal as a triumph, seeking to increase their control over security and political matters. The Islamic State, meanwhile, may capitalize on any security gaps left by the US departure. Despite popular support for the withdrawal among Iraqis, some officials and community leaders worry that Iraq's security forces are not fully prepared to assume all responsibilities without the coalition.