Iran Appeals to US Voters as American Troops Leave Iraq After 23 Years of Military Presence
The final American troops have left Iraq, closing a 23-year chapter that began with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and later shifted toward fighting the Islamic State. At nearly the same time, Iran has taken its message directly to the American public, urging voters to reject politicians who support continued U.S. military intervention. The timing adds another political dimension to already strained U.S.-Iran relations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) published a 26-page letter calling on Americans to use their political influence against President Donald Trump’s allies in Congress. The letter also criticised U.S. support for Israel and military intervention overseas.
US Troops Complete Iraq Withdrawal
The United States completed its military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, 2026, with the final American personnel leaving the Erbil area in northern Iraq. The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to end the U.S.-led combat mission against the Islamic State and move toward a more conventional security relationship. America’s role in Iraq changed significantly over the years. U.S. forces invaded in 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein’s government and subsequently became involved in a prolonged insurgency. Combat forces withdrew in 2011 but returned in 2014 after Islamic State captured large areas of Iraq and Syria. By the final stage, the U.S. military presence had been reduced considerably, focusing largely on advising, training and supporting Iraqi forces in counterterrorism operations.
Why Iran Is Appealing to US Voters
Iran’s message comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. According to Reuters, the IRGC letter urged Americans to oppose Trump’s congressional allies and reject policies supporting Israel and overseas military intervention. Tehran is also using the U.S. departure from Iraq to reinforce its argument against continued American military involvement in the Middle East. The letter represents the position of Iran’s military-security establishment and should not be treated as an independent measure of American public opinion. The timing is also notable because it comes ahead of U.S. congressional elections. Reuters reported that an Ipsos poll published on September 21 showed 34% approval for U.S. strikes on Iran, while the cost of living remained a major concern among respondents. Such polling reflects public sentiment at the time of the survey and does not determine how voters will ultimately vote.
What the Withdrawal Means for Iran
The American departure removes a significant U.S. military presence from Iraq, a country where Iran has developed extensive political and security relationships. Iran-backed armed groups remain influential in Iraq, although the Iraqi government retains responsibility for the country’s security institutions. Reuters cited Iraqi security analysts who said Iran and allied groups could have more room to operate following the U.S. withdrawal. However, the departure could also reduce the possibility of direct U.S.-Iran military confrontations taking place inside Iraq. The consequences are therefore complex. Iraq must now manage its security while maintaining relationships with Iran, the United States and other regional powers.
Islamic State Remains a Security Concern
Another major question is whether the Islamic State could take advantage of any security gaps. The group no longer controls the large territory it once held in Iraq, and the U.S.-led campaign severely weakened its conventional capabilities. However, Islamic State remnants and sleeper cells continue to pose a security challenge. The end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq does not eliminate Washington’s broader counterterrorism capabilities. American forces can operate from locations outside Iraq, while intelligence and security cooperation with Iraqi authorities can continue. For Baghdad, an important test will be whether Iraqi security forces can maintain pressure on militant groups without a permanent American military presence.
A New Phase for Iraq and Washington
The withdrawal does not mark the end of U.S.-Iraq relations. Washington and Baghdad are expected to continue diplomatic, economic and security cooperation. The relationship is shifting away from a wartime military deployment toward a more conventional bilateral security partnership. For Iraq, the departure also carries symbolic importance, reinforcing the government’s position that Iraqi forces should take primary responsibility for national security. At the same time, uncertainty remains. Iran-aligned militias continue to hold influence, while wider regional tensions could affect Iraq’s security environment.
The Road Ahead for Iraq
The U.S. withdrawal could become an important reference point in discussions about America’s military role in the Middle East. For Iran, the departure provides an opportunity to argue against U.S. military intervention. For Washington, it represents the completion of an agreement intended to give Iraq greater responsibility for its own security. For Iraqis, the most important questions are more immediate: whether security remains stable, whether armed groups gain additional influence and whether Baghdad can maintain an independent foreign and security policy while balancing competing regional relationships.The coming months will show how Iraq adapts to the end of the U.S. military mission and whether the new security arrangement can address threats without a large American deployment.
FAQs
1. When did the US military leave Iraq?
The United States completed its military withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, 2026, with the final troops leaving from northern Iraq.
2. Why did the US originally enter Iraq?
The U.S.-led invasion began in March 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein’s government. One major justification involved allegations about weapons of mass destruction, which were later found to be unfounded.
3. Why did US troops return to Iraq after 2011?
American forces returned in 2014 after Islamic State captured large areas of Iraq and Syria. The U.S.-led mission focused on defeating the group’s territorial control and supporting Iraqi security forces.
4. What message did Iran send to US voters?
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps published a 26-page letter urging Americans to oppose politicians who support U.S. military intervention and to challenge allies of President Donald Trump.
5. Does the withdrawal end US-Iraq cooperation?
No. The withdrawal ends the U.S.-led wartime military mission, but Washington and Baghdad can continue diplomatic, economic and security cooperation under their bilateral relationship.
Explore the latest Trump moves shaping global politics, energy, and security.
Who Will Trump Send Abroad Next?
Check out the latest ambassador appointments and their potential diplomatic significance.
Could Venezuela’s Oil Transform America’s Energy Future?
Find out what the reported oil deal could mean for U.S. energy strategy.
Why Did Trump Cut Military Exercises?
Uncover the details behind the substantial reduction in joint military exercises.
Why Did Netanyahu Reject Trump’s Gaza Plan?
Dive into the key disagreements surrounding the proposed 15-point Gaza plan.
Can Trump’s Gaza Deal Survive Spoilers?
Look into the challenges that could affect the agreement and prospects for lasting peace.
