Trump-Era Withdrawal: Iraq Takes Control
Trump Administration Plan to Disarm Militants as U.S. Troops Exit Iraq: What Happens Next?
The Trump administration made it clear during its time in office that the long-term goal in Iraq was to reduce U.S. military involvement and push for stability led by Iraq itself. A major part of that strategy involved pressuring armed militant groups to disarm and fall under the control of the Iraqi government. However, those efforts faced strong resistance, especially from Iran-backed militias that refused to lay down their weapons while U.S. troops remained in the country.
Militants Refused to Disarm While U.S. Forces Remained
Several armed groups operating in Iraq openly stated they would not disarm as long as American troops were present. These militias claimed their weapons were needed to resist foreign military influence and protect Iraqi sovereignty. This created a stalemate: the U.S. wanted militants disarmed first, while militants demanded a full U.S. withdrawal before any disarmament would take place.
The Trump administration viewed many of these militias as destabilizing forces with ties to Iran. Officials warned that armed groups operating outside the Iraqi military structure undermined national security and weakened Iraq’s sovereignty.
Iraq Takes Control of Major U.S. Bases
As U.S. troops began pulling out, Iraq gradually assumed control of several major military bases that were previously run or shared with American forces. These handovers marked a major shift in Iraq’s security responsibilities and symbolized a new phase in U.S.–Iraq relations.
The transfer of bases signaled that the Iraqi military would now be fully responsible for protecting its territory, managing internal security, and controlling armed groups within its borders. For the U.S., it marked a move away from direct involvement and toward an advisory role.
U.S. Troop Withdrawal Changes the Power Balance
With U.S. troops leaving, the balance of power inside Iraq is changing. The departure removes a major deterrent that had kept some militant groups in check. At the same time, it places greater pressure on the Iraqi government to assert control over all armed factions.
Some analysts believe the troop withdrawal could lead to:
Increased influence from Iran-backed militias
Power struggles between armed groups
A stronger push by Iraq’s government to consolidate authority
Renewed negotiations over security cooperation with the U.S.
Potential instability if militias refuse to disarm
Others argue that removing U.S. forces eliminates a major source of tension and could reduce attacks that were aimed at pushing Americans out of the country.
What Could Happen Next?
Now that U.S. forces have largely withdrawn from key bases, Iraq faces a defining moment. The government must decide whether it can successfully integrate or dismantle armed groups that operate outside state control. If it succeeds, Iraq could move closer to long-term stability and sovereignty. If it fails, the country could see renewed internal conflict or growing foreign influence.
The situation also leaves open questions about the future role of the United States in Iraq. While large-scale military operations have ended, intelligence cooperation, training missions, and diplomatic involvement are likely to continue in some form.
Summary
The Trump administration’s push to disarm militants and reduce U.S. troop presence fundamentally reshaped Iraq’s security landscape. Militants refused to give up their weapons until U.S. forces left, and now that withdrawal has largely happened, the responsibility rests squarely with Iraq’s government.
What happens next will determine whether Iraq moves toward stability—or faces another period of uncertainty.
