Tehran — The senior military commander of Iran's regional forces, Esmail Qaani, quickly expressed his views following the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. He referred to this withdrawal as "humiliating removal" and praised the role of Iraqi militias in pressuring Washington to leave the country.
Emphasis on Complete Expulsion of American Forces
In his speech at a ceremony in Tehran commemorating Hassan Nasrallah, the martyr leader of Hezbollah, Qaani emphasized that the remaining American presence must also be completely eliminated. He stated: "America must be expelled from Iraq, both from its land and its sky." These remarks reflect Iran's determination to reduce any American military influence in the region.
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Strategic Consequences of the U.S. Withdrawal
The U.S. withdrawal from Iraq cannot be viewed solely as an issue of Iraqi sovereignty. Tehran sees this action as part of a deeper regional competition in which the United States has been under continuous pressure from Iran and its affiliated armed groups. These developments come at a time when the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq concluded on September 30, ending over 12 years of military operations in Iraq.
This withdrawal occurred during a devastating year of conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. During this time, Iran's regional network suffered significant damage, and its military capabilities were severely pressured. This situation could enhance Iran's military capabilities for greater influence in Iraq and other parts of the region.
Iran appears to be seizing this opportunity to strengthen its positions in Iraq, and given recent developments, changes in the balance of power in the region may occur. These developments will have profound implications not only for Iraq but for the entire Middle East.
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