U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq Raises Questions About Iran-Backed Groups' Influence

The United States has completed its military withdrawal from Iraq after more than two decades of operations, raising questions about the future balance of power in a country where Iran-backed armed groups have significant influence.

US forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq after more than two decades, raising questions about the country's security and the influence of Iran-backed armed groups. [Photo: U.S. Army]

The final US forces left Iraq on Sept. 30, formally ending the US military presence there.

The withdrawal was part of an agreement reached between Washington and Baghdad, under which the US-led coalition's mission against the Islamic State was wound down.

Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups have welcomed the US departure.

Analysts have warned that the withdrawal could create greater opportunities for Iran-aligned groups to expand their political and security influence.

Baghdad-based analyst Ahmed Younis told Al Jazeera that the absence of Western forces could make Iran-backed groups feel more empowered and could encourage them to seek a greater role in state institutions and policymaking.

An Iraqi commander from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq also described the US withdrawal as a victory for Iraqi resistance groups.

The US military presence in Iraq has been closely linked to the country's post-2003 political and security upheaval. More than 4,500 US service members died during the broader Iraq war and subsequent military operations, according to Reuters.

The withdrawal does not mean Iran's influence in Iraq is guaranteed to increase. Iraqi political and security institutions remain active, and concerns about Islamic State remnants also continue.

Reuters reported that Iraqi and Kurdish officials have expressed concern about security risks following the US departure.