Story perspectives

U.S. Ends 23-Year Iraq Troop Presence, Final Pullout

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 10:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The United States removed its final troops from Iraq, ending a 23-year military presence.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called the pullout a victory for its “axis of resistance.”
Baghdad analyst Ahmed Younis warned the exit could empower Iran-backed proxies.
President Donald Trump said the war with Iran will end soon and Iran will eventually surrender.

History

Historical Context

After the 1991 Gulf War expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, the United States deployed about 35,000 troops in a coalition that won in roughly 100 days. The 2021 U.S. withdrawal ended a 23-year presence in Iraq, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to claim a victory and warn of a power vacuum. Both episodes illustrate shifting Middle-East security balances.

1 of 2

Story summary

The United States removed its final troops from Iraq, ending a 23-year military presence.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called the pullout a victory for its “axis of resistance.”
Baghdad analyst Ahmed Younis warned the exit could empower Iran-backed proxies.
President Donald Trump said the war with Iran will end soon and Iran will eventually surrender.

1 / 2