After More Than Two Decades, U.S. Leaves Its Last Bases in Iraq

American forces are expected to complete their withdrawal from their final bases in Iraq by Wednesday, more than two decades after the U.S. invasion of the country. The move, agreed to in 2024 under the Biden administration and now being carried out by the Trump administration, is being received by Iran and its allies as a strategic achievement.

About 4,500 Americans were killed during the years of war in Iraq. The United States invaded the country in 2003 and toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime, before completing its withdrawal in 2011. Less than three years later, American forces returned to help fight ISIS, which was defeated in a broad campaign between 2014 and 2017.

Jassim al-Bahdeli, an Iraqi expert on Shiite armed organizations, estimated that Iran would benefit from the move because it removes a military presence that had served for years as a counterweight to its influence in Iraq. Abu Mujtaba al-Yasiri, a commander in the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” called the withdrawal “a historic victory,” adding: “On September 30, we will celebrate the turning of a black page in Iraq’s history and the failure of the occupation to impose its will on our country.”

On the other hand, officials in Iraq warn that the withdrawal could create a security vacuum. Abdul Rahman al-Zubaie, a tribal leader from Fallujah, said that “we believe Iraq is still not fully prepared to assume security responsibility at this time.”

Concern is also focused on ISIS, which still operates a network of sleeper cells. Kurdish commander Sirwan Barzani reported increased movement by cells in recent weeks. At the same time, Iraqi security forces announced that they had uncovered a cell suspected of preparing suicide attacks alongside the withdrawal.

In the background, Iran is welcoming the move and sees it as a victory for the “axis of resistance.” Iraqi officials fear that, alongside the strengthening of pro-Iranian militias, the loss of American intelligence, logistical assistance, and drones will allow ISIS to regroup.