All hail Iran as US forces begin final withdrawal from Iraq
*As security control shifts to Iraqi forces
With a claim that the American military bases left behind by the US forces are now taken over by the Iran aligned resistant forces except the base in Erbil, which is reportedly to be currently engaged in moving out, analysts attributed the development to authorities in Tehran, Iranian capital who stood to the US and said enough of its presence in the Gulf region.
The United States has begun withdrawing its remaining military personnel and equipment from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, in a major development that could significantly reshape the security balance in the country, with commendation in Iran-alligned resistant forces controlled part being hailed for the update.
With a claim that the American military bases left behind by the US forces are now taken over by the Iran aligned resistant forces except the base in Erbil, which is reportedly to be currently engaged in moving out, analysts attributed the development to authorities in Tehran, Iranian capital who stood to the US and said enough of its presence in the Gulf region.
Iraqi authorities have confirmed that the U.S.-led military coalition is preparing to withdraw its forces from the Kurdistan Region, with the process expected to be completed by September 30, 2026. Recent reports indicate that American forces have already begun moving troops and military equipment out of positions around Erbil.
The withdrawal follows a broader agreement between Baghdad and Washington to wind down the U.S.-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq. Earlier phases of the withdrawal have already seen U.S. forces leave bases in federal Iraq, with Iraqi security forces assuming control of those facilities.
One of the most significant developments has been the withdrawal of U.S. air-defence systems from positions around Erbil. Reports indicate that American Patriot systems and other military equipment have been removed as Washington advances its drawdown.
The development has generated speculation about who will ultimately benefit from the reduced American military presence, particularly amid the longstanding influence of Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.
However, there is no credible evidence at present that Iranian resistance forces have taken control of former U.S. bases in Iraq. Available reports instead indicate that Iraqi and Kurdish security authorities are positioned to assume responsibility for facilities vacated by American forces.
The U.S. withdrawal nevertheless represents a significant change in Iraq’s military landscape. The departure of American forces could reduce Washington’s direct military footprint while increasing pressure on Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government to provide security independently.
The transition is also being closely watched because of the activities of Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq, some of which have previously demanded the removal of U.S. forces from the country.
The unfolding withdrawal therefore marks not necessarily the end of American-Iraqi security cooperation, but a transition from a U.S.-led military presence toward a security relationship in which Iraqi forces assume greater responsibility for the country’s defence.
