The United States leaves Iraq after 23 years, tensions with Iran persist

The last American soldiers left Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a 23-year military presence. The main remaining military base was closed, after deployment since 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein and fight ISIS. Despite a withdrawal agreement made two years earlier, pro-Iranian militias have resumed fighting, especially in Iraqi Kurdistan, with several groups still refusing to disarm and demanding the end of US influence in Iraq.