US forces exiting Iraq after 2 decades, leaving opening for Iran

Key Points:

• U.S. forces are scheduled to leave their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, a move hailed by Iran and its allies as a strategic victory that enhances their influence in the country after over two decades of conflict involving 4,500 American deaths.
• Iraqi security experts warn that the withdrawal could embolden Iran-backed militias to increase their political and security influence in Iraq while potentially allowing the Islamic State to regain strength due to reduced U.S. intelligence and support.
• Iran views the U.S. departure as a triumph for its "axis of resistance" and has pledged support for the withdrawal, framing it as a step toward lasting security in Iraq and the broader region.
• Some Iraqi leaders and security officials express concern that Iraq is not yet prepared to handle its security independently and fear that the U.S. pullout may create a power vacuum exploited by both pro-Iranian militias and extremist groups like the Islamic State.
• The Islamic State, despite previous military defeats, remains active through sleeper cells and is reportedly planning attacks to coincide with the U.S. withdrawal, signaling ongoing threats to Iraq’s stability.