US troops complete Iraq exit as Iran and allies celebrate 'historic victory'

The United States military officially completed its withdrawal of all troops from Iraq on September 30, 2026, marking an end to its twelve-year mission to counter the Islamic State group. The Pentagon confirmed the "orderly departure" of forces and equipment, signaling a transition from a wartime coalition effort to an Iraqi-led security approach supported by a bilateral relationship. This withdrawal concludes a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The completion of the U.S. pullout was met with celebrations by Iran and its allied factions in the region, who heralded it as a "historic victory" and a "crushing defeat for the American project." They perceive the departure as a success for their "Axis of Resistance" and a step toward diminishing U.S. influence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government also commemorated the occasion, declaring September 30 as "Sovereignty Day."

Despite the widespread celebrations, some Iraqi security experts have voiced concerns regarding the potential for a security vacuum. These experts warn that the absence of U.S. forces could lead to an expansion of Iranian influence and potentially create opportunities for a resurgence of the Islamic State group, particularly in the Kurdish region.