President Barack Obama addressed the nation to inform that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq would be completed by the end of the year. The announcement was made against the backdrop of a long and complex military engagement that began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The decision hinged on a previously established Status of Forces Agreement, signed in 2008 by then-President George W. Bush, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. military presence and its eventual withdrawal from Iraq. Obama emphasized that the decision was based on the progress made by Iraqi security forces and the readiness of the Iraqi government to assume responsibility for the country’s security. The announcement came as a relief to many Americans weary of prolonged military involvement and complementing the broader discussions regarding U.S. foreign policy direction in the Middle East.This moment marked a transition for the U.S. in Iraq, where the military presence had drawn scrutiny and protests from various segments of the population. Obama's speech also acknowledged the sacrifices of the military personnel and the complexities involved in the conflict. The end of U.S. military involvement in Iraq was positioned as a milestone toward Iraq’s sovereignty. However, it also raised questions about the future stability of Iraq amidst ongoing sectarian tensions and the presence of emerging threats from groups like ISIS in the subsequent years, leading to a significant evolution in U.S. engagement in the region.