US Completes Iraq Withdrawal, Iran Claims Strategic Victory

The United States has completed the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq, marking the end of a nearly two-decade military presence. The departure was finalized on Wednesday, according to reports, with Iraqi officials confirming that no foreign soldiers remain stationed in the country. This withdrawal is being framed by Iran as a significant victory for its regional influence and "resistance axis" allies.

Iraqi Kurdish leaders and political analysts critical of pro-Iranian militias and ISIS have voiced strong criticism of the pullout, expressing concerns about a security vacuum. The withdrawal agreement was finalized under President Joe Biden, continuing a process initiated under President Barack Obama in 2011 and maintained by the Trump administration despite ongoing tensions with Iran and counter-ISIS operations.

"This is a historic victory for the Iraqi Islamic resistance groups and honorable Iraqis, and a crushing defeat for the American project," stated Abu Mujtaba al-Yasiri, a commander in the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq. While many Iraqis desire full sovereignty, some, like Sunni tribal leader Abd al-Rahman al-Zuba'i, fear the increased power of Iran-backed groups and believe Iraq is not yet fully prepared to manage its own security.

Security analysts suggest that pro-Iranian militias will leverage this withdrawal to increase their political and security decision-making influence. Jassim al-Bahadli told Reuters that Iran stands to gain strategically by the removal of a military presence that previously counterbalanced its influence in Iraq. The US initially invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein, later returning in 2014 to combat ISIS.

Concerns also linger about a potential resurgence of ISIS. Kurdish commander Sirwan Barzani noted increased movement of dormant ISIS cells, attributing it to the coalition's withdrawal announcement. Iraqi security forces reported foiling a suicide bombing plot by an ISIS cell timed with the withdrawal, highlighting the group's continued capability to exploit security gaps. The US has accused Iran-backed militias of regional attacks, including against Saudi oil infrastructure, though the Iraqi government states it is working to curb their influence.