US forces exit Iraq after 23 years, emboldening Iran and Islamic State

United States forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, ending a military presence that lasted 23 years. The departure was agreed upon in 2024 during the Biden administration and finalized under the Trump administration, drawing celebrations from Tehran and its regional allies who view the exit as a victory.

The complete withdrawal has heightened international anxieties regarding a potential security vacuum in the region. Analysts and observers note that the exit has served to embolden both Iran and its associated proxies, as well as the Islamic State, raising concerns over future stability in Iraq.