WASHINGTON — President Trump marked the final withdrawal of US troops from Iraq on Wednesday, stating at a White House event, "we’re getting the hell out of there" and expressing confidence that his conflict with Iran would not extend over two decades like the Iraq War that began in 2003.
Trump described the Iraq War as a "quagmire" and noted that the withdrawal signifies the end of a prolonged military engagement. "This day is a victory for the United States. It’s a victory for Iraq and a decisive victory over ISIS," he stated, commending Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zadi.
He characterized the departure of coalition forces from Erbil Air Base as the conclusion of an "expensive excursion into hell." Trump compared the Iraq War, which resulted in approximately 4,500 US military fatalities, to Operation Epic Fury against Iran, where he reported 18 US service members were killed over six months.
Trump also referenced a conflict with Venezuela that he claimed was resolved in 148 minutes, asserting that the current situation in Iran would be concluded swiftly.
US negotiators have been working to secure a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran’s nuclear program, with Trump predicting a resolution soon after the November 3 midterm elections.
Despite his commitments to avoid long-term US military involvement in the Middle East, concerns remain among former allies regarding the potential for prolonged conflict.
In a social media post, Trump criticized the initial Iraq invasion under President George W. Bush, labeling it a "very bad decision" and emphasizing his approach of setting clear missions and avoiding permanent military presence.
US troops had previously withdrawn from Iraq in 2011 under President Barack Obama, before returning in 2014 in response to ISIS's territorial gains.