# U.S. Withdrawal Leaves Iraq Power Vacuum

> U.S. troops exit Iraq as Iran and Islamic State exploit the power vacuum.
- Title: U.S. Withdrawal Leaves Iraq Power Vacuum · Foreign Policy
- Summary: U.S. troops exit Iraq as Iran and Islamic State exploit the power vacuum. U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq creates instability as Iran and Islamic State…
- Keywords: iraq, iran, islamic state, u.s. military, power vacuum, iraq withdrawal, iran war, iraq security, Withdrawal, Leaves, Power, Vacuum
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/30/us-military-withdraws-troops-iraq-power-vacuum-iran-islamic-state-hegseth
- Author: Alexandra Sharp
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iraq, iran, islamic state, u.s. military, power vacuum, iraq withdrawal, iran war, iraq security
## U.S. Withdrawal
U.s. forces finally left iraq on september 30, 2026, marking the end of the u.s.-led coalition's military presence.
## Iraqi Celebration
iraki civilians celebrated u.s. withdrawal after blaming years of instability on foreign military presence.
## Historical Context
u.s. troops invaded iraq in 2003 to oust saddam hussein and remained until 2011 to support shiite-led government.
## Recent U.S. Involvement
u.s. forces returned in 2024 to fight islamic state and agreed to withdraw by september 2025.
## Extended Presence
iraq allowed u.s. advisors and security personnel to remain beyond september 2025 due to developments in neighboring syria.
## Security Threats
pro-iran paramilitary groups in iraq have claimed responsibility for repeated strikes on u.s. troops and a drone attack on saudi arabia’s east-west pipeline.
## Iran War Impact
of the 18 u.s. service members killed since the iran war began in february, seven died in iraq.
## Expert Warning
retired iraqi army gen. mohamed al-jubouri warned iraq’s security institutions lack a viable plan b for post-coalition phase.
## Local Concerns
a sunni tribal leader in fallujah said iraq is not ready to take over security at this time.
## U.S. Military Shake-Up
defense secretary pete hegseth plans to cut reserved positions for generals and admirals by 20 percent.
## Military Cuts Impact
the cuts would affect around 800 individuals across one to four-star ranks and are criticized as a strategy to sideline experienced commanders.
## Power Vacuum Risk
u.s. adversaries are likely to take advantage of the power vacuum left by u.s. withdrawal.
## Key takeaway

U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq creates instability as Iran and Islamic State groups gain influence.