Andrea Innocenti The withdrawal of American forces from Iraq marks the end of a phase spanning more than twenty years of the Middle Eastern country's recent history. Since the 2003 invasion that deposed Saddam Hussein's regime, U.S. troops have maintained a significant military presence, evolving from combat operations to training and counterterrorism roles.
The exit process now culminates with the complete evacuation of the contingents, a decision initiated during the Trump administration and completed under the Biden presidency.
The news immediately divided Iraqi public opinion. On the one hand, citizen groups and local representatives organized joyful demonstrations, viewing the end of the US military presence as a liberation from conflict and foreign dependence.
On the other hand, many political analysts and citizens fear that the vacuum left by American troops could turn into a new source of instability, especially in a context in which Iraq remains a battleground between Washington 's ambitions and Tehran 's influence.
The withdrawal in practice: key stages of the American disengagement
The disengagement process has been marked by a series of diplomatic and operational decisions. Following the agreement between the Iraqi government and the United States, a timetable was established for the progressive reduction of troops. Over the course of 2025, the presence fell below 2.000 soldiers, then by 2026, it reached a level of a few hundred personnel, limited to advisory and logistical support tasks. Central Command announced the final phase with the transfer of remaining equipment and the closure of permanent bases, thus completing the final phase of the planned withdrawal .
Celebrations of freedom and fears of emptiness: reactions in the area
The streets of Baghdad, Basra, and other cities greeted the statement with a mix of chants and Iraqi flags. Many young people celebrated with fireworks, citing hopes for a future free of foreign intervention. However, representatives of some Shiite communities, as well as local militia leaders, expressed fears that the absence of South American troops could weaken their ability to counter extremist groups still active in the region. Some non-governmental organizations have called for strengthening Iraqi security forces, preventing the military holiday from being exploited by external actors.
The power play between Washington and Tehran: future scenarios
Iraq currently finds itself in a particularly delicate geopolitical position. On the one hand, the United States has expressed its willingness to maintain diplomatic and intelligence cooperation despite the lack of a military presence on the ground. On the other, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to exert strong political and military influence, especially through Shiite militias supported by Tehran. International observers warn that the near future could see a strengthening of ties between Tehran and the Iraqi government unless balancing mechanisms involving regional and international actors are put in place. In this scenario, Iraq's stability will depend on its ability to manage the aspirations of two world powers that, while sharing an interest in the region, often pursue conflicting objectives.