U.S. Completes Military Withdrawal from Iraq

The United States finalized the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq on September 30, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The exit, negotiated between Baghdad and Washington in 2024 and executed under the administration of Donald Trump, concludes the U.S.-led coalition mission against the Islamic State. While combat operations have ended, the Pentagon stated that it will continue to provide intelligence and training to Iraqi forces. The withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions in Iraq, with some viewing it as a restoration of sovereignty and others expressing concern over the potential influence of Iranian-backed militias and remaining Islamic State cells.