United States Military Forces Complete Pullout From Bases in Iraq

The United States military has ended its operational presence in Iraq by meeting a Sept. 30 deadline to withdraw remaining forces from the country. The departure concludes a deployment that began in 2014 to fight Islamic State militants.

American officials said departing units relocated to Jordan. Jordan will now serve as the base for regional efforts to track and target remaining extremist networks. A combined force of roughly 1,500 coalition personnel had operated across Iraqi facilities, including sites in Erbil and Baghdad, during the final drawdown phase.

The exit plan originated during negotiations between Washington and Baghdad in 2024. Troop reductions progressed in phases, beginning with federally administered installations before completing handovers in northern bases.

Iranian officials welcomed the completion of the withdrawal. Amir Hayat Moqaddam, deputy chairman of the Iranian parliament national security commission, said security would improve in Iraq without foreign troops. Representatives of allied Iraqi Shiite armed factions also labeled the American departure an important milestone for national sovereignty.

Iraqi security specialists noted that the withdrawal could expand political and military opportunities for pro-Tehran factions. Jasim al-Bahadli, a security analyst in Baghdad, said the coalition had functioned for years as a strategic counterweight to outside interference. Local officials also expressed concern that remnant cells of Islamic State fighters might attempt to expand operations in rural sectors.

Regional defense dynamics remain complex following the pullout. The departure included removing American air-defense systems from Erbil, prompting regional Kurdish authorities to request stronger protection from Baghdad against recurring drone and missile strikes. Turkey also continues to maintain its own military presence across northern border areas.

A plan to disarm and integrate armed groups aligned with the Popular Mobilization Forces into state security organizations was postponed. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a revised timeline extending the disarmament process to June 30, 2027.