U.S. Completes Withdrawal from Iraq as Operation Inherent Resolve Ends Amid Escalating Iran Tensions

The U.S. military has formally concluded its Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq, with the final withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Erbil Air Base completed on September 30, 2026. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the 'orderly departure,' shifting the counter-ISIS task force headquarters to Jordan while Iraqi forces assume primary responsibility for security. This marks the end of a 12-year coalition effort that began in 2014 to defeat ISIS, transitioning to a bilateral U.S.-Iraq defense relationship focused on advisory and capacity-building support.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that 'ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security,' crediting Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, with the capacity for independent operations. The move follows a 2024 agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, with forces gradually departing federal areas since October 2025.

The withdrawal occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, now in its eighth month. Iraqi officials expressed mixed reactions, with celebrations in Baghdad framing it as 'Sovereignty Day,' while Kurdish leaders voiced concerns over vulnerability to Iranian drone and missile threats following the removal of U.S. air defenses. Iran-backed militias remain a key challenge, with disarmament timelines extended to 2027.

This development intersects with fresh regional tensions: On October 1, President Trump indicated a likely Iran link to a FlyDubai cockpit attack on an Israel-bound flight, vowing a 'very hard' response if confirmed, amid stalled diplomacy and broader fears of escalation. The U.S. will continue targeted training, intelligence sharing, and Syria-focused operations from Jordan.