U.S. Forces Complete Iraq Withdrawal, Raising Security-Vacuum Fears

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The withdrawal marks a major shift in the regional security balance after a U.S. military presence in Iraq that cost more than 4,500 American lives over two decades. Reuters reports that the exit could leave Iraqi security forces facing greater pressure from Iran-aligned Shiite militias while creating openings for Islamic State resurgence. The development also comes as Washington and Tehran pursue a separate seven-day trust-building plan through Qatari mediators, with the sequencing of commitments reportedly unresolved.

Sources: Reuters