America leaves Iraq, again
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. The last US troops in Iraq formally withdrew today, 23 years after the United States first invaded Iraq and 12 years after it returned to take on the Islamic State. It’s a historic occasion, […]
On September 30, 2026, Iraqis celebrated in Baghdad as US and international coalition forces officially withdrew from Iraq after a 23-year presence. This marked the end of the US military involvement that began with the 2003 invasion and continued through a return in 2007 to combat the Islamic State. The US had a total of tens of thousands of troops in Iraq, but a phased drawdown had been underway since the Biden administration took office.
While the US presence ended, the withdrawal left some lingering issues that could benefit Iran. Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq hailed the withdrawal as a "crushing defeat for the American project," highlighting the growing influence of Iran in the region. Iraqi civilians expressed fears of being "swallowed up" by Iran-linked groups, and the Iraqi government extended the deadline for Iranian-backed militia groups to disarm.
This withdrawal underscores the challenges the US faces in achieving political outcomes and the long-term implications of foreign military involvements.
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