Trump: We are leaving Iraq with a great Prime Minister there

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the last American troops are leaving Iraq, considering the step to be "a great day for America" and the end of a military presence that has lasted in various forms for more than two decades.

Trump said in a post on his account on the "Truth Social" platform: "I am pleased to announce today that the last American troops are leaving Iraq," adding that the United States is thus ending a long phase that began, in his words, with decisions that led it into a "quagmire."

Trump praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi, describing him as a "great new Prime Minister," saying he supported and endorsed him from the beginning, referring to his victory in the elections. He added: "This is a great moment for America," considering that the departure of the troops also represents a victory for Iraq and a victory over ISIS.

Trump noted that the American military presence in Iraq began in 2003 during the presidency of George W. Bush, while the "Operation Inherent Resolve" against ISIS began in 2014 during Barack Obama's presidency, before it is set to end in 2026 during his current term, according to what was stated in his post.

He stated that the organized departure of coalition forces and their equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the end of what he described as an expensive military intervention, emphasizing that he rejected the transformation of a temporary presence into a permanent one.

Trump added that he had two options, to stay or to leave, but he felt it was time for American forces to return home.

The U.S. president also compared the departure from Iraq to the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, confirming that equipment and troops are leaving Iraq in an organized manner.

Trump returned to praise Al-Zaydi, saying he hopes the Iraqi Prime Minister can manage affairs well during the upcoming phase.

The U.S. president concluded his post by saying, "We came to fight a caliphate. There is no longer a caliphate. We are coming home."

Trump's announcement comes as the international coalition's mission in Iraq concludes and a new phase in security relations between Baghdad and its international partners begins. The post reflects Trump's personal characterization of the departure, its reasons, and its outcomes, including his assessment of the defeat of ISIS and the Iraqi Prime Minister.