The United States has initiated the departure of its final military forces stationed in Iraq, marking a definitive closure to a prolonged foreign deployment. Donald Trump announced that coalition personnel and military hardware are conducting an orderly exit from Erbil Air Base. This milestone signals the formal conclusion of a military presence that trace its origins back to 2003 under the presidency of George W. Bush, which subsequently evolved through the administration of Barack Hussein Obama in 2014 and continued under Joe Biden.
Conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2026
Trump stated that Operation Inherent Resolve officially draws to a close in 2026 under his leadership. Framing the event as a shared triumph for both the United States and Iraq, he emphasized that the fundamental objective of the intervention was the complete destruction of the ISIS caliphate. According to Trump, the extremist group along with other dangerous actors faced decisive devastation during his first term, eliminating the justification for transforming what was designed as a temporary deployment into an indefinite foreign stay.
Orderly Exit from Erbil Air Base Contrasted with Afghanistan
Highlighting the tactical nature of the pullout, Trump contrasted the organized departure from Erbil Air Base with the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. He noted that unlike the previous operation, where substantial military equipment was left behind and 13 service members were killed alongside numerous wounded warriors, the current withdrawal preserves valuable hardware and enforces discipline. Trump remarked that while staying remained an available choice, the decision to conclude the costly overseas venture and bring personnel home was unequivocal.
Confidence in Newly Elected Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi
The transition coincides with significant political developments in Baghdad, where Ali al-Zaidi recently secured the premiership. Trump pointed out his early and comprehensive endorsement of al-Zaidi, who achieved an overwhelming landslide victory despite pre-election forecasts running against him. Expressing substantial optimism regarding the new Iraqi leader, Trump stated that al-Zaidi possesses the capability to manage governance and security independently in the post-coalition era.
