After more than two decades, the United States is set to complete its military withdrawal from Iraq by the end of September, according to statements from both US and Iraqi officials. The departure marks the end of the US’s 23-year presence in the country, which began with the 2003 invasion aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein and extended through the campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) after years of sectarian conflict.

On Tuesday, Iraq’s pro-US Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump emphasized the diminished need for American troops in Iraq, stating, “We’re there to help them. We’re there to protect them if need be. But we don’t think that’s going to be necessary.” Zaidi confirmed that US forces would exit Iraq by September 30, while noting that American companies would continue to operate within the country.

The US military presence in Iraq had significantly decreased following the defeat of ISIS between 2019 and 2020, with only a limited number of US advisors remaining in the country. Zaidi, a businessman with no prior political experience, was chosen as a consensus prime minister after extended political deadlock in Iraq. His ascent was supported by the US amid concerns over Iran-backed Shia militias and their political influence, particularly the potential return of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, an ally of these groups.

The United States has consistently urged Iran to disarm the powerful Shia militias operating within Iraq. However, many of these groups have resisted calls to relinquish their weapons, asserting their autonomy. Analysts caution that any attempt by the Iraqi government to confront or disarm these militias could provoke a backlash. Renad Mansour, an Iraq researcher at Chatham House, warned that if the government targets these militias, it could face retaliatory action, complicating the country’s internal security landscape.

The withdrawal of US troops is expected to reshape Iraq’s security dynamics as the country navigates ongoing challenges from militia groups and broader regional influences. While the US military aims to end its direct involvement, diplomatic and economic relations are likely to persist through commercial engagement and advisory roles.