US military troops have officially withdrawn from Iraq after two decades of presence, concluding a long and complex mission that included the fight against ISIS. The exit, which has been met with criticism from Iraqi leaders including Kurdish officials, raises significant concerns over the security landscape in the region, particularly regarding the potential rise of Iranian influence and threats to the Kurdish region. With the deadline for the complete withdrawal set for September 30, the Iraqi government has asserted its sovereignty while the Peshmerga Ministry emphasizes the need for vigilance amid fears of diminished defenses. Analysts express that this shift could lead to a volatile environment as the US leaves a security vacuum that both Iran and ISIS might seek to fill.