US forces to leave last bases in Iraq despite fears Iran will exploit withdrawal

US forces are set to pull out from their last bases in Iraq, leaving the country where 4,500 of their comrades died over more than 20 years of war.

The departure of American troops will be celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies, who now have deep influence in the country.

Iraqi security experts have warned that the withdrawal could give Tehran and its allies free rein while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group.

The move was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and carried out by President Donald Trump's administration, even as it wages war against Iran.

"Iran stands to benefit strategically from the coalition's departure because it removes a military presence that for years acted as a counterweight to Tehran's influence in Iraq," said Jasim al-Bahadli, an Iraqi security analyst.

He warned that the pro-Iranian militia groups would ​not only portray the departure as a victory for their movement, but also "seek to translate that momentum into greater influence over security and political decision-making".

Coalition forces invaded Iraq in 2003 and went on to occupy the country and fight a years-long insurgency before withdrawing in 2011.

The UK lost a total of 179 servicemen and women in the campaign.

American troops returned less ‌than three years later to help Iraqi forces defeat ISIS in a major war from 2014 to 2017.

More from Sky News: Only diplomacy ​can solve conflict, says Iran 'Reasonable grounds' US committed war crime in Iran

While the eventual departure of US forces is broadly popular among Iraqis, some fear the move is premature.

"We believe Iraq is still not fully ready to take over the security file at this time," Abdulrahman al-Zobaie, a Sunni tribal leader in Fallujah, once a bastion of ⁠anti-American resistance, said.

"All Iraqis aspire to full sovereignty, and no Iraqi would dispute that. But I believe that ⁠the (US-led coalition) leaving in this way and creating a vacuum is what all Iraqis fear."

(c) Sky News 2026: US forces to leave last bases in Iraq despite fears Iran will exploit withdrawal

Ex-world snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for child sex abuse Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been jailed for seven years for historical child sex abuse.

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been jailed for seven years for historical child sex abuse.

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas remanded in custody Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial year.

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial year.

Police arrest 17 as part of investigation into suspected organised crime group Police have arrested 17 people as part of an investigation into a suspected organised crime group.

Police have arrested 17 people as part of an investigation into a suspected organised crime group.

Man who has spent decades on death row in Utah released after DNA evidence A man who has spent decades on death row in Utah is being released after prosecutors said newly analysed DNA evidence did not match him.

A man who has spent decades on death row in Utah is being released after prosecutors said newly analysed DNA evidence did not match him.

Argentina threatens UK with legal action over Falklands oil exploration Argentina's president has threatened the UK with legal action over an oil project off the coast of the Falklands.

Argentina's president has threatened the UK with legal action over an oil project off the coast of the Falklands.

Nancy Guthrie investigators examine new possible ransom note Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US TV host Savannah Guthrie, are examining a possible new ransom note.

Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US TV host Savannah Guthrie, are examining a possible new ransom note.

FIFA accuses European football chiefs of 'harassment' against Gianni Infantino FIFA has accused European football chiefs of "harassment" against Gianni Infantino and trying to influence the presidential election by "spreading misinformation" against him over the World Cup venture.

FIFA has accused European football chiefs of "harassment" against Gianni Infantino and trying to influence the presidential election by "spreading misinformation" against him over the World Cup venture.

OpenAI scraps release of new AI model after it showed 'higher levels of deception' OpenAI has scrapped plans to release its new AI model amid safety concerns, after it showed "higher levels of deception" than its predecessor.

OpenAI has scrapped plans to release its new AI model amid safety concerns, after it showed "higher levels of deception" than its predecessor.

Tears Of A Clown Smokey Robinson And The Miracles

Maggie May Rod Stewart

The Wonder Of You Elvis Presley

Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum Middle Of The Road

Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum

Alloa Medium-level cloud High: 17°C | Low: 14°C

High: 17°C | Low: 14°C

Falkirk Medium-level cloud High: 17°C | Low: 14°C

High: 17°C | Low: 14°C

Stirling Medium-level cloud High: 16°C | Low: 14°C

High: 16°C | Low: 14°C

Ex-world snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for child sex abuse

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas remanded in custody

Police arrest 17 as part of investigation into suspected organised crime group

Man who has spent decades on death row in Utah released after DNA evidence

My Kinda Music with Alan Paterson 10:00am - Noon

The Royal Yacht with John Collins Noon - 2:00pm