Overview
- U.S. forces completed their pullout Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, leaving their last bases in northern Iraq and ending a continuous American military presence that began in 2003.
- Iran and allied militias celebrated the departure and Iraqi analysts warn the move removes a counterweight that could let Tehran‑aligned groups expand their political and security influence.
- Kurdish officials say the loss of U.S. air‑defense systems and drone coverage raises direct danger for the Kurdistan region after more than 1,000 recent drone and missile strikes there.
- Iraqi and Kurdish security leaders report increased movement by Islamic State sleeper cells and warn that the loss of U.S. intelligence, surveillance and aerial assets could let the group regroup or mount attacks.
- Baghdad has declared Oct. 1 a national 'Sovereignty Day' and postponed strict militia disarmament deadlines to continue negotiations, while the long U.S. campaign in Iraq is recalled for its roughly 4,500 American deaths and lasting regional consequences.