# America leaves Iraq, again

> The last US troops withdraw after 23 years, leaving Iran better positioned to shape Iraq's future.
- Title: America leaves Iraq, again · Vox | Shortify
- Summary: The last US troops withdraw after 23 years, leaving Iran better positioned to shape Iraq's future. The last US troops formally withdrew from Iraq on…
- Keywords: iraq, us military withdrawal, iran, islamic state, iraqi politics, biden administration, news, culture, America, leaves, again, Vox
- Source: Vox — https://vox.com/today-explained-newsletter/504742/us-troops-withdraw-iraq
- Author: Caitlin Dewey
- Published: 2026-09-30T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: iraq, us military withdrawal, iran, islamic state, iraqi politics, biden administration, news, culture
## Twenty three years end today
The last US troops in Iraq formally withdrew today, twenty three years after the United States first invaded Iraq and twelve years after it returned to fight the Islamic State.
## A long and ugly chapter
The US and its allies deployed tens of thousands of troops to Iraq as part of the larger war on terror that started in two thousand three. More than four thousand five hundred Americans died in Iraq in the past twenty years.
## Troops left, then returned
Those troops left Iraq in two thousand eleven. But a smaller contingent returned three years later to stamp out the Islamic State, a violent jihadist group that had gained a major foothold after Western forces left the country.
## Neither campaign was popular
Neither campaign was particularly popular with the American public in the end. Large numbers of civilian casualties, as well as drone strikes seen as violations of Iraq's sovereignty, fueled periodic Iraqi protests against American intervention.
## Iran's allies celebrate the news
As the US withdraws, Iran's position strengthens. The commander of one Iranian-backed militia in Iraq called the withdrawal a crushing defeat for the American project.

> a crushing defeat for the American project
## Iran built influence for years
After the US toppled Saddam Hussein in two thousand three, Tehran redoubled efforts to build political and military clout in Iraq. It strengthened ties with figures like Hadi al-Amiri, poured hundreds of millions of dollars into soft-power projects, and funded paramilitary groups.
## Iraqis fear Iranian dominance
Some analysts warn the final withdrawal could embolden Iranian-linked groups. Ordinary Iraqis have told reporters they fear their country could be swallowed up by groups linked to Iran. The Iraqi government has already pushed back the deadline for Iranian-backed militia groups to disarm.

> could be swallowed up
## A lesson in American limits
The US may have resources to win military conflicts, but securing a desired political outcome is more time-consuming. By dipping in and out of places like Iraq, the US may risk giving Tehran more openings to build influence.
## Key takeaway

The last US troops formally withdrew from Iraq on September thirtieth, twenty twenty-six, ending a twenty three year military presence that began with the two thousand three invasion.