No longer a caliphate: Donald Trump announces withdrawal of last US troops from Iraq

Donald Trump’s administration announced on Monday that the United States will complete the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq by the end of the year, marking the final step in a policy shift that began under his predecessor. The decision follows a series of diplomatic talks with Baghdad and reflects a broader reevaluation of America’s role in the Middle East after more than two decades of military involvement. While the move has been welcomed by many Iraqis who view the presence of foreign troops as an infringement on national sovereignty, analysts warn that a rapid exit could destabilise fragile gains made in the fight against insurgent groups and leave a security vacuum that regional actors may scramble to fill.The announcement came during a press conference at the White House, where ary of Defense Lloyd Austin outlined a phased draw‑down schedule..

The remaining 2,500 troops, primarily stationed at the Al Asad airbase and in advisory roles across the country, will be reduced in three stages, with the final contingent set to leave by 31 December. Austin emphasized that the United States will maintain “a robust partnership with Iraq” through continued intelligence sharing, training programmes and the provision of equipment, even after the boots on the ground are withdrawn. He also noted that the move complies with the 2022 bilateral security agreement signed in Baghdad, which stipulated a gradual reduction of U.S..

forces as Iraqi security forces assume greater responsibility.Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani hailed the decision as a “historic moment for Iraqi independence,” and thanked the United States for its support during the battle against the Islamic State. In a televised address, al‑Sudani stressed that the Iraqi government is now prepared to handle internal security challenges without external military presence, citing the expansion of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the growing capacity of local police units. He also called on neighbouring countries to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and to refrain from meddling in its internal affairs, a reminder of the complex regional dynamics that have long shaped Baghdad’s security environment.The United States first deployed troops to Iraq in 2003 as part of the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime..

After the official end of combat operations in 2011, a smaller contingent remained to train and advise Iraqi forces. The rise of the Islamic State in 2014 prompted a renewed U.S. presence, with more than 5,000 soldiers returning to conduct air strikes and support local militias..

Over the ensuing years, the mission evolved into a hybrid of counter‑terrorism operations and capacity‑building efforts, a model that critics argue has become increasingly ambiguous and costly.Critics of the withdrawal argue that the timing is premature. A senior official in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, who requested anonymity, warned that “the threat of resurgence remains real, especially in the sparsely populated desert regions where the Islamic State still maintains sleeper cells.” The official pointed to recent intelligence indicating a modest uptick in recruitment activity among extremist groups, a development that could be exacerbated by the loss of direct U.S. Human Rights Watch also expressed concern that the reduction in American forces could embolden Iran‑backed militias, which have long operated with the tacit approval of the Iraqi government and have been implicated in sectarian violence.Conversely, a number of U.S..

lawmakers have praised the decision as a fulfillment of a long‑standing campaign promise to end “endless wars.” Representative James Comer, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, described the draw‑down as “the responsible end to an overextended engagement that has cost American lives and resources without delivering lasting stability.” He added that the focus should now shift to diplomatic tools and economic assistance to ensure Iraq’s continued development.The broader geopolitical implications of the pull‑out are also a subject of intense scrutiny. Iran, which maintains a network of allied militias across Iraq, has historically viewed the U.S. presence as a counterweight to its influence..

In a statement released after the announcement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that Tehran “respects Iraq’s sovereign decisions” but cautioned that “any power vacuum could be exploited by terrorist elements, further destabilising the region.” Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signalled readiness to increase their diplomatic and economic engagement with Baghdad, positioning themselves as alternative partners in a shifting balance of power.Regional experts note that the withdrawal could also affect the fight against the broader jihadist threat beyond Iraq’s borders. Lina Al‑Hussein, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, warned that “the interconnected nature of terrorist networks means that setbacks in one theatre can reverberate elsewhere.” She cited recent attacks in Syria and northern Africa as evidence that militant groups continue to adapt and relocate, often exploiting gaps left by departing foreign forces. Al‑Hussein suggested that sustained intelligence cooperation and targeted air operations would be essential to mitigate these risks after the ground presence ends.In the meantime, the Iraqi security apparatus is undertaking a series of reforms aimed at improving accountability and reducing sectarian bias within its ranks..

The Ministry of Defence announced plans to integrate more women and ethnic minorities into the armed forces, a move intended to broaden public trust. International donors, including the European Union and the United Nations, have pledged additional funding for training programmes and community‑building projects, hoping to address the socioeconomic grievances that have historically fueled insurgency.The decision also rekindles a domestic debate in the United States over the nation’s strategic priorities. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that 58 % of Americans support a reduced overseas military footprint, while 32 % argue that maintaining a forward presence is essential for global security..

The Trump administration’s stance aligns with a growing sentiment that resources should be redirected toward domestic infrastructure and emerging challenges such as cyber‑security and climate change.As the countdown to the final withdrawal proceeds, both Baghdad and Washington have stressed the importance of a coordinated transition. A joint task force, comprising senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and NATO partners, will oversee the logistical aspects of the draw‑down, ensuring that equipment handovers and base closures are conducted smoothly..

The task force will also monitor any emergent security threats, providing rapid response capabilities if needed.The end of the U.S. ground mission in Iraq marks the close of a chapter that began amid the turbulence of the early 2000s and evolved through the rise and defeat of a caliphate‑declaring extremist group. Whether the withdrawal will herald a new era of Iraqi self‑reliance or open the door to renewed instability remains to be seen..

What is clear is that the United States, having recalibrated its approach to the Middle East, is now looking to balance its.