After 23 years: US Army withdraws from Iraq again - and the achievement of the pro-Iranian militias

The American military presence in Iraq officially ends today, 23 years after the initial invasion in 2003. The disarmament of pro-Iranian militias has been postponed to June 2027. US opponents claim the occupation continues through economic and political means.

The American military presence in Iraq officially ends today (Wednesday), 23 years after the 2003 invasion. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced that the disarmament of pro-Iranian militias, which was supposed to occur alongside the withdrawal, has been postponed to June 2027. National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji described the move as a transition to bilateral relations. The Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed declared 'Iraq without American forces.' On the other hand, US opponents in Iraq, including pro-Iranian militias, claim the occupation continues through economic and political means. A senior figure in the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia in Iraq, Abu Mujahid al-Asaf, threatened to topple the government if the ban on Iranian flights is not lifted. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah, emphasized 'the day of lacking sovereignty' and alleged ongoing American influence over the economy, oil, and political decisions.