Former President Donald Trump has declared the withdrawal of the last remaining U.S. troops from Iraq. This move signifies a major shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, effectively concluding a long-standing military presence that persisted well after the collapse of the Islamic State’s territorial caliphate.

The announcement comes as a definitive step in the transition of security responsibilities to local Iraqi forces. While the U.S. military had previously shifted its role from direct combat to an advisory and support capacity, the complete removal of personnel marks a total departure from the country. The decision aligns with Trump’s long-standing campaign promises to reduce U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts, often described by his administration as ending 'endless wars.'

However, the withdrawal has prompted varied reactions regarding regional stability. Proponents of the move argue that the mission to dismantle the caliphate was successfully completed, making the continued presence of U.S. troops unnecessary and costly. Conversely, some security analysts and regional observers have expressed concerns that a total withdrawal could create a power vacuum, potentially allowing extremist elements to regroup or increasing the influence of rival regional powers in Iraq. The logistics of the withdrawal and the specific timeline for the final departure of support personnel remain subject to ongoing coordination between U.S. and Iraqi officials. As of now, the focus remains on the transition of remaining equipment and the final exit of the last advisory units.