Overview
- The international coalition led by the United States completed its mission on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, when the last troops departed Iraq and Operation Inherent Resolve was formally closed.
- Iraqi leaders have declared 1 October a 'Day of Sovereignty' and framed the withdrawal as a milestone in restoring state authority and normal bilateral ties.
- The government has postponed its deadline to disarm pro‑Iranian militias and negotiated rules to 'regulate' weapons because several influential groups, including Kataeb Hezbollah, refuse to give up arms.
- Officials and residents in the Kurdistan region said they fear who will protect them from drone attacks and that the closure of bases around Erbil could increase the risk of an ISIS resurgence.
- The pullout ends more than 20 years of US military presence in Iraq and raises questions about Iran's influence, Baghdad's capacity to monopolize force, and what comes next for Iraq‑US security and diplomatic ties.