U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a two-decade military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The withdrawal marks the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, the campaign against the Islamic State. Nearly 2,500 American troops departed, concluding a mission that cost thousands of lives and reshaped the region.

Physical reminders of war, including blast walls in Baghdad, are being dismantled as the country seeks normalcy. Iraq faces an uncertain future navigating relationships with Iran and the U.S. administration. The U.S. withdrawal agreement, struck between the Baghdad government and the Biden administration in 2024, was followed through by the Trump administration despite regional tensions.

Iraqis commemorate the exit with a three-day sovereignty celebration, though the country remains under pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias. The departure leaves a complex legacy of civilian casualties and sectarian violence. The U.S. military's role in the region shifts significantly as local security forces take the lead.