Archive · 29 Sep 2026
U.S. Troops End Iraq Mission as Iran Gains Strategic Advantage
The United States is leaving its remaining military bases in Iraq after more than 20 years.
The departure was agreed in 2024 and is now being carried out.
Iran and groups allied with Iran say this is a victory.
Some Iraqi officials worry that leaving could make security harder.
They are especially concerned about Islamic State sleeper cells.
Islamic State once controlled a large part of Iraq but was pushed back by Iraqi and international forces.
The United States first invaded Iraq in 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein.
American troops left in 2011 but returned in 2014 to help fight Islamic State.
Around 4,500 Americans died during the United States military involvement in Iraq.
United States forces are set to leave their remaining Iraqi bases by Wednesday, ending more than two decades of military presence.
The withdrawal was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and is being implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Iran and allied armed groups have called the departure a victory, while Iraqi officials warn of possible security risks.
Iraqi officials and experts say Islamic State sleeper cells could exploit an opening after the withdrawal.
About 4,500 Americans died during more than two decades of United States military involvement in Iraq.
- Who
- United States forces, Iraqi security officials, Iran and its allied armed groups, and Islamic State are central to the development.
- What
- The United States is ending its military presence in Iraq and withdrawing from its remaining bases.
- When
- The remaining forces are scheduled to leave by Wednesday; the withdrawal agreement was reached in 2024.
- Where
- Iraq, including United States military bases there; Qasem Soleimani was killed at Baghdad Airport in 2020.
- Why
- The withdrawal is being carried out under a 2024 agreement, while Iraqi officials fear Islamic State could exploit the security gap and Iran could gain influence.
Supporters of Withdrawal
Critics Concerned About Security
Iranian influence
Supporters of Withdrawal
Iran and its allied armed groups describe the end of the United States military presence as a victory and a gain for their regional position.
Critics Concerned About Security
Iraqi security experts say the departure removes a military counterweight that had limited Tehran’s influence in Iraq.
Security risks
Supporters of Withdrawal
The withdrawal fulfills an agreement reached in 2024 and ends a costly military involvement that began with the 2003 invasion.
Critics Concerned About Security
Iraqi officials warn that Islamic State sleeper cells could exploit the departure, and security forces reported a suspected cell preparing suicide attacks.
Regional military presence
Supporters of Withdrawal
Iran has repeatedly demanded that United States forces leave the Middle East and that American bases in Gulf countries be closed.
Critics Concerned About Security
The United States’ departure from Iraq may provide an opening for Iran and other American adversaries, according to Iraqi experts.
- Scheduled departure
- United States forces are expected to leave their remaining Iraqi bases by Wednesday.
- Length of involvement
- The United States military presence in Iraq lasted more than two decades, with a break from 2011 until 2014.
- Original invasion
- The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein.
- Islamic State campaign
- United States forces returned in 2014 and helped Iraqi troops fight Islamic State through 2017.
- American deaths
- Around 4,500 Americans died during more than two decades of United States military involvement in Iraq.
- Withdrawal agreement
- The departure was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden.
- Strategic concern
- Iraqi officials and security experts say Iran could gain influence and Islamic State could find opportunities to rebuild.