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PoliticsReports from 24 Sep to 11 Oct 2026

US-led coalition mission in Iraq ends as security responsibility shifts to Baghdad

The United States completed its withdrawal from Erbil Air Base on September 30, ending the Iraq mission of Operation Inherent Resolve under a 2024 agreement with Baghdad. Iraqi leaders presented the handover as a step toward sovereignty and full Iraqi responsibility, while US officials said targeted training and intelligence support would continue. Kurdish officials and Iraqi security voices raised concerns about defenses, readiness and future security risks; Iran’s IRGC and aligned factions hailed the departure as a victory.

Summary written by our automated pipeline from the outlets' reporting. How it works

29 outlets in 18 countries, 6 relaying others' reporting

An Iraqi army soldier looks through a rooftop opening while on security duty in northern Ghazaliyah, Iraq, March 29, 2008.
Photo credits

In their own words

Grouped by where each speaker is from. Quotation marks are the speaker's own words; other lines are our summaries.

Iraq

Ali al-Zaidi, Iraqi government official
“Iraq's transition to a phase in which it assumes full responsibility for its security and stability”

Quoted in BBC News · also 1 other outlet

sabahalnuman|IQ, Iraqi military spokesperson
“We are moving from working under the umbrella of the coalition to an equal relationship with them”

Quoted in Tehran Times, via NPR

More from Iraq (3)
Mohammed al-Jubouri, Iraqi Army official
“The most important question now is whether Iraq's security institutions have prepared a viable Plan B for the post-coalition phase”

Quoted in France 24 · also 4 other outlets

Regional and local government

peshmergaministry|IQ, Kurdistan Region Peshmerga Ministry
“The departure of the United States from the Kurdistan Region under these complex regional circumstances, without the provision of a defense system, is a matter of concern”

Quoted in PBS NewsHour, via Associated Press

Kurdish authorities

Kurdish authorities fear security could worsen after the U.S. withdrawal and regard U.S. forces as an important security counterweight.

Our summary of Xinhua

United States

Donald Trump, U.S. president
“…a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq, and a decisive victory over ISIS”

Quoted in TASS

Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command
“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the…”

Quoted in Fox News

More from United States (2)
Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson
“It also marks a transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by a more normal bilateral security relationship.”

Quoted in The Korea Herald, via AP · also 1 other outlet

Pentagon, U.S. defense establishment
“The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq’s remaining security challenges, including ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias that undermine Iraqi sovereignty and regional…”

Quoted in The Guardian · also 1 other outlet

Iran

Baghaei, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson
“This is a highly significant and welcome development for the preservation of Iraq's national sovereignty and signifies a defeat for the United States.”

Quoted in Mehr News Agency

Esmaeil Qaani, Commander of the IRGC Quds Force

Qaani called for closer coordination among Iraq's government, state institutions and resistance groups to strengthen the country's sovereignty, stability and ability to determine its future.

Our summary of Tehran Times

More from Iran (2)
Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iranian diplomat

Kazemi Qomi said the departure of US forces represented a strategic defeat for the United States across Iraqi domestic politics, the regional balance of power, and international affairs.

Our summary of Tehran Times, via Sobh-e-No

Iranian Foreign Ministry
“…considers this development a very important and necessary step toward consolidating Iraq’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.”

Quoted in Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs · also 2 other outlets

Islamic Resistance in Iraq

Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, Islamic Resistance in Iraq spokesperson
“…a historic victory for the Iraqi Islamic resistance groups and honorable Iraqis, and a crushing defeat for the American project”

Quoted in The Hindu, via Reuters

United Kingdom

UK Ministry of Defence
“Following more than a decade of operations, training and capacity building, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Kurdish Peshmerga have secured the enduring territorial defeat of…”

Quoted in BBC News

Where accounts differ

Points where outlets or parties give conflicting facts or readings. Each side is summarised by our pipeline; its sources are listed under it.

Disputed Whether Iraqi forces were ready to assume security responsibility after the coalition departure

US officials said Iraqi security forces could manage threats independently, and the UK Ministry of Defence said Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga were well placed to take primary responsibility for security.

Sources (2)
“Because of your grit, sacrifice and professionalism, ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security and Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and…”
Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command · quoted in Fox News
“Following more than a decade of operations, training and capacity building, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Kurdish Peshmerga have secured the enduring territorial defeat of…”
UK Ministry of Defence · quoted in BBC News

The Peshmerga Ministry said departure without a defense system was concerning; al-Zobaie said Iraq was not fully ready to take over security.

Sources (2)
“The departure of the United States from the Kurdistan Region under these complex regional circumstances, without the provision of a defense system, is a matter of concern”
Kurdish regional government's Peshmerga Ministry · quoted in PBS NewsHour, via Associated Press
“We believe Iraq is still not fully ready to take over the security file at this time”
Abdulrahman al-Zobaie · quoted in The Hindu, via Reuters

Disputed How to characterize the coalition’s departure

US officials described an orderly withdrawal and successful completion of the mission; Trump called it a victory for the United States and Iraq.

Sources (2)

Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson · our summary of RIA Novosti

As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

“Упорядоченный вывод коалиционных сил и техники с авиабазы Эрбиль знаменует успешное завершение военной миссии”

Machine translation: “The orderly withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the successful completion of the military mission”

Pentagon, U.S. defense establishment · our summary of CGTN

The IRGC called the withdrawal a major achievement for the Axis of Resistance, while Iraqi resistance commanders described it as an expulsion of occupying forces and a victory for resistance groups.

Sources (2)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps · our summary of Mehr News Agency

“…a historic victory for the Iraqi Islamic resistance groups and honorable Iraqis, and a crushing defeat for the American project”
Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, Islamic Resistance in Iraq spokesperson · quoted in The Hindu, via Reuters

Other voices

Reactions from other countries and bodies, others involved, and commentary.

Kataib Sayid al-Shuhada

Sheikh Kadhim al-Fartousi, Kataib Sayid al-Shuhada spokesperson

Kadhim al-Fartousi said the departure of U.S. forces was a victory but insufficient.

Our summary of Tehran Times, via NPR

Iraqi armed militias aligned with Iran

Several Iraqi armed militias aligned with Iran made the end of foreign forces' presence in Iraq the main condition for handing their weapons to the Baghdad government.

Our summary of Clarín, via Iranian media · long-held position

Iraqi armed factions

iraqiarmedfactions|IQ, Iraqi armed factions

The armed factions consider the withdrawal a victory for them.

Our summary of Okaz

Others involved

Multiple Iraqi civilians

Multiple Iraqi civilians are concerned that their security forces are not yet fully prepared to take responsibility for protecting the country.

Our summary of Daily Jang

Hojatoleslam Seyed Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard, Tehran Friday prayer leader

Aboutorabi-Fard said the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq marked the beginning of greater independence and standing for the Iraqi people and government.

Our summary of Mehr News Agency

Abdulrahman al-Zobaie
“We believe Iraq is still not fully ready to take over the security file at this time”

Quoted in The Hindu, via Reuters

Ahmed Salah
“…and let the government be the one responsible to protect me and you on the ground, sky and water.”

Quoted in The Times of Israel, via Reuters

Commentary

Renad Mansour, Chatham House analyst
“For Baghdad, the political aim will be now to make clear that Iraq wants to remain an ally of the US”

Quoted in Deutsche Welle

Jumaa Mohammed, Tikrit University academic

Jumaa Mohammed said Iraq faces U.S. pressure to disarm Iran-backed Shiite militias, many of which defy state efforts to control them and could create instability.

Our summary of Xinhua

Ding Long, University academic

Ding Long said the United States is shifting from direct military occupation to influence exercised through security agreements, energy partnerships, and financial mechanisms.

Our summary of Xinhua

Bamo Nouri, University academic

Nouri views the end of the US military presence in Iraq as a profound shift in the country's balance of power.

Our summary of France 24

Timeline

  1. 2026-09-30

    On September 30, US forces and equipment completed their withdrawal from Erbil Air Base, ending the Iraq mission of Operation Inherent Resolve.

    Sources: Fox News · BBC News

    Supporting statements

    CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces and equipment had withdrawn from Erbil Air Base, ending the Iraq phase of Operation Inherent Resolve.

    U.S. Central Command, U.S. military command · our summary of Fox News

    The departure ended the coalition mission known as Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq.

    Our summary of BBC News
  2. 2026-10-01

    Scheduled: Baghdad was scheduled to celebrate Sovereignty Day on October 1, 2026.

    Sources: South China Morning Post

    Supporting statements

    Baghdad was scheduled to celebrate Sovereignty Day on October 1, 2026.

    Our summary of South China Morning Post

Coverage

Each outlet's headline, linked to its article. Non-English headlines are machine-translated. The groupings and notes on what each outlet emphasises are automated.

None of our outlets is based in Iraq. No statements from the government or officials of Saudi Arabia are in our sources.

Group by
Fox NewsUnited States
Iraq sounds alarm on terror threat from Syria one day after US troops leave Emphasizes Iraqi responsibility and regional readiness
2 more from Fox NewsUS military completes withdrawal of troops from Iraq after 12-year missionUS faces another major Middle East troop withdrawal, but threat remains
NPRUnited States
U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is complete Emphasizes Iraq's restoration of sovereignty
1 more from NPRRetired general who led troops in Iraq warns U.S. exit may give Iran, ISIS an opening
PBS NewsHourUnited States
U.S. military says its withdrawal of troops from Iraq for Islamic State fight is complete Relays AP's Kurdish defense-system concern
Relays Associated Press
Mehr News AgencyIran
US presence in region brought only insecurity, terrorism Presents Iran's welcome and defeat framing
5 more from Mehr News AgencyUS govt. not a worthy host for United Nations: Iran FM spox.Greater powers than US previously failed in battle with IranFuel rate display in US determine Hormuz being open or closed2026 UNGA, US pullout from Iraq herald major global changesIRGC issues statement after US forces withdrawal from Iraq
Tehran TimesIran
Formation of new regional arrangements Highlights Qaani's call for resistance coordination
4 more from Tehran TimesIran hails departure of US forces from IraqUS withdrawal from Iraq marks new Phase for Resistance Front: QaaniIraqis celebrate the exit of US occupation forces after 23 yearsPowers greater than US tried to conquer Iran but ended up in ‘dustbin of history,’ Rezaei says
AnalysisRelays Sobh-e-No, Etemad, Shargh, Hamshahri, Javan
OkazSaudi Arabia
What Comes After America’s Withdrawal from Iraq? Translated headline. Original: وماذا بعد انسحاب أمريكا من العراق ؟ Calls for armed factions to disarm
1 more from OkazInternational Coalition: We have left Iraq, and armed factions must lay down their weapons now
Opinion
Daily MaverickSouth Africa
US forces exit Iraq, emboldening Iran’s proxies and Islamic State Warns of Islamic State drone threats
Publication date unavailable
CGTNChina
US forces leave Iraq as coalition ends ISIS combat mission Reports the Pentagon's formal mission conclusion
1 more from CGTNUS formally concludes mission in Iraq
XinhuaChina
World Insights: U.S.-led coalition departure from Iraq -- end of old chapter, start of new game? Examines US influence beyond direct deployment
Analysis
South China Morning PostHong Kong
US ends troop mission in Iraq, Baghdad to celebrate Sovereignty Day on October 1 Notes fears of emboldened pro-Iran factions
The Korea HeraldSouth Korea
Trump hails the US military's exit from Iraq after 12-year mission against Islamic State Relays AP's Iraqi-led security transition
Relays AP
Yonhap News AgencySouth Korea
U.S. troops complete withdrawal from Iraq… Iraqi prime minister: “A new phase of sovereignty begins” Translated headline. Original: 미군 이라크 철수 완료…이라크 총리 "주권의 새 국면 시작" Relays A15's shift to bilateral security ties
1 more from Yonhap News AgencyTrump: “More oil was transported through Hormuz in three days than ever before”
France 24France
'America is leaving Iraq, but Iran isn't: Withdrawal a massive strategic and tactical mistake' Frames the exit as a power shift
1 more from France 24US forces leave Iraq, raising fears of Iran-backed militias amid power vacuum
Interview
Le MondeFrance
After 12 years in Iraq, the international anti-jihadist coalition completes its full withdrawal from the country Translated headline. Original: Après douze ans de présence en Irak, la coalition internationale antidjihadiste achève son retrait complet du territoire Marks the scheduled end of the mission
Der SpiegelGermany
Iraq: US End Anti-IS Military Operation After More Than a Decade Translated headline. Original: Irak: USA beenden Anti-IS-Militäreinsatz Links the exit to militia disarmament
Deutsche WelleGermany
Iran poised to exploit security vacuum as US leaves Iraq Focuses on Iran's pressure on Kurdish autonomy
2 more from Deutsche WelleIraq: US troops withdraw from their Iraqi US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission against ISIS after 12 years as Baghdad delays militia disarmamentIraq: US troops withdraw from their Iraqi US-led Operation Inherent Resolve mission against ISIS after 12 years
Analysis
MeduzaLatvia
US troops have finally left Iraq — 23 years after the invasion Translated headline. Original: Войска США окончательно ушли из Ирака — спустя 23 года после вторжения Notes the final US and British departures
El PaísSpain
US withdraws its last troops from Iraq Translated headline. Original: EE UU retira a sus últimas tropas de Irak Questions Iraq's post-coalition security planning
BBC NewsUnited Kingdom
Last UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends Notes the final UK and US departures
The GuardianUnited Kingdom
Pentagon says it has formally completed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq Leads with Iraq's security responsibilities
ClarínArgentina
Iran celebrates the US withdrawal from Iraq: “It is the beginning of its expulsion” from the Middle East Translated headline. Original: Irán celebra la retirada de EEUU de Irak: "Es el inicio de su expulsión" de Oriente Medio Highlights Kurdish air-defense concerns
4 more from ClarínTrump celebrates US Army’s withdrawal from Iraq after a 12-year missionUS withdraws from Iraq, which assumes responsibility for addressing the region’s challengesDeparture of the last U.S. troops from Iraq raises Kurdish fears as militias celebrateAl Zaidi says today marks the “serious beginning” of the disarmament of Iraq’s pro-Iranian militias
Relays Iranian media
The Times of IsraelIsrael
Iraqis celebrate final US troop withdrawal as government takes charge of security Relays Reuters' warning about Iran-backed groups
2 more from The Times of IsraelUS leaves Iraq 23 years after fall of Saddam Hussein, stoking fear of vacuum emboldening ISIS, militiasSettlers blocking family’s home in southern West Bank since attack last night
Relays Reuters
RIA NovostiRussia
“The Missed Thirty Years”: The West Has Hopelessly Let Humanity Down Translated headline. Original: "Упущенное тридцатилетие": Запад безнадежно подвел человечество Relays Trump's costly-campaign account
2 more from RIA NovostiTrump called the withdrawal of troops from Iraq the end of an “expensive excursion into hell”U.S. forces leave air base in Erbil
Opinion
TASSRussia
Trump confirms US troop withdrawal from Iraq, calls operation 'excursion into hell' Relays Trump's victory framing
1 more from TASSTwo drones attack Iranian opposition sites in Iraqi Kurdistan — TV
NDTVIndia
US Forces Exit Iraq Amid Rising Fears Of ISIS Resurgence Highlights fears of Islamic State resurgence
1 more from NDTVIran Urges US Voters To Remove From Power "Evil, Violent" Politicians
The HinduIndia
From Iraq to Gaza: A Long Trail of Damage Editorializes on militias and Iran's influence
3 more from The HinduPopular Mobilisation Forces | Iraq’s militias within the militaryU.S. military says its withdrawal of troops from Iraq completeTurkiye will hand over key base in Iraq in gradual troop withdrawal deal
Analysis
Daily JangPakistan
U.S. forces complete their mission in Iraq today after 23 years and withdraw Translated headline. Original: امریکی افواج کا 23 سال بعد عراق میں مشن آج مکمل، انخلاء کر لیا Reports civilians' doubts about security readiness
RapplerPhilippines
US forces exit Iraq, emboldening Iran’s proxies and Islamic State Warns Iran-backed groups may gain influence
1 more from RapplerIran urges US voters to vote out Trump’s allies in election
Also mentioned in passing by 1 outlet

More detail

Written by our automated pipeline from the statements in the coverage; each point lists the statements it rests on.

Key points

The September 30 withdrawal from Erbil ended the coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq; around 100 remaining British personnel also left Irbil.

Sources (3)

U.S. Central Command, U.S. military command · our summary of Fox News

Our summary of BBC News

Our summary of BBC News

Iraqi leaders described the transition as a move to full responsibility for security and sovereignty, while saying the fight against terrorism and cooperation with coalition members would continue.

Sources (2)
“The end of the international coalition’s mission does not mean the end of our battle against terrorism, but rather Iraq’s transition to a phase in which it assumes full…”
Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, Iraqi government official · quoted in The Times of Israel, via Reuters

Ali al-Zaidi, Iraqi government official · our summary of Tehran Times

US officials said targeted training and intelligence support would continue. Kurdish officials and Iraqi security voices raised concerns about defenses, readiness and possible Islamic State activity.

Sources (4)

Pentagon, U.S. defense establishment · our summary of BBC News

“The departure of the United States from the Kurdistan Region under these complex regional circumstances, without the provision of a defense system, is a matter of concern”
Kurdish regional government's Peshmerga Ministry · quoted in PBS NewsHour, via Associated Press
“We believe Iraq is still not fully ready to take over the security file at this time”
Abdulrahman al-Zobaie · quoted in The Hindu, via Reuters

Iraqi security officials · our summary of NDTV

Al-Zaidi called for October 1 to be marked as Sovereignty Day, and Baghdad was scheduled to celebrate it in 2026.

Sources (2)

Ali Al-Zaidi, Iraqi government official · our summary of Le Monde

Our summary of South China Morning Post

How coverage differed

Iranian state-media reports: They foregrounded the withdrawal as a gain for Iraqi sovereignty and the Resistance Front, with the IRGC calling for the removal of remaining US influence in the region.

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Photo credits

An Iraqi army soldier looks through a rooftop opening while on security duty in northern Ghazaliyah, Iraq, March 29, 2008.

File:Iraqi army troops pull security from rooftop DVIDS82681.jpg · Staff Sgt. James Hunter · Public domain

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/82681

Original source

Public domain

Resized and JPEG encoded; thumbnail display may crop the image.