US President Donald Trump has celebrated the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, marking the end of a 12-year military mission. The last US soldiers left the country, ending a campaign against the Islamic State group. Trump described the mission as “a very expensive excursion into hell.”
Iran has responded by appealing to US voters, urging them to reject Trump’s policies. The country has issued a letter criticizing Trump’s approach to the war in Iraq. Iranian officials have also celebrated the departure of US forces, suggesting it opens opportunities for greater regional influence.
Meanwhile, Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within seven days. The strait is a critical maritime route for global oil trade. Trump’s stance has contributed to recent gains in oil prices, as markets reacted to his firm position on sanctions against Iran.
The US military’s exit follows a period of heightened tensions with Iran. Trump has previously made strong statements against Iran, including a controversial remark about “blowing them up.” These remarks came amid an ongoing investigation into a suspected terror plot linked to Iran near a British military base.
The withdrawal has been framed by Trump as a strategic victory for both the US and Iraq. However, analysts note that the long-term implications of the decision remain uncertain. The situation reflects broader geopolitical shifts, with Iran seeking to expand its influence in the region as US military presence declines.
