U.S. Forces Scheduled to Leave Iraq by September 30

U.S. forces are scheduled to leave their remaining bases in Iraq by September 30, ending the coalition’s military presence there after more than two decades. U.S. and Iraqi officials have confirmed the deadline, but the departure has not yet been reported as completed. The withdrawal, agreed in 2024, comes as Iraq faces questions over how to manage security without the remaining coalition presence. Iraqi analyst Jasim al-Bahadli said the departure removes a longstanding military counterweight to Iran’s influence and could allow Iran-aligned armed groups to seek greater sway over security and political decisions. That is an assessment of possible consequences, not an established outcome. Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, a commander in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, called the withdrawal a historic victory and said his group would celebrate on September 30. Iran has also welcomed the departure. Amir Hayat Moqaddam, deputy chairman of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, said lasting security would prevail after American forces left Iraq and the wider region. Other Iraqi voices have expressed concern about the transition.