U.S. Completes ISIS Mission in Iraq as Regional Tensions Rise

U.S. ends ISIS mission in Iraq, sparking fears of regional instability and Iranian influence.

September 30, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Baghdad, Iraq — The final U.S. troops assigned to the fight against ISIS have left Iraq, marking the end of a decade-long military campaign that dismantled the group’s self-proclaimed caliphate. However, the withdrawal has raised concerns about the security vacuum and growing tensions in the region.

The Iraqi government welcomed the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, but Kurdish leaders expressed worry over the timing, especially after recent attacks by Iranian-backed militias. These groups have targeted U.S. personnel and allies, raising fears that Iran could exploit the U.S. exit to expand its influence.

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President Trump praised the move as a “victory for the United States” and a decisive victory over ISIS. Pentagon officials confirmed the departure was orderly and marked the successful end of a 12-year campaign. Despite this, ISIS remains active in limited capacities, with hundreds of fighters still operating in remote areas, according to a UN report.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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