US completes Iraq troop withdrawal as Supreme Court revives third-country deportation policy

The United States has withdrawn its final troops from Iraq, bringing to a close a coalition military mission that began more than a decade ago, leaving questions about the country's defense future amid continued concerns over Iran-aligned armed factions.

Separately, the US Supreme Court has sided, at least temporarily, with the Trump administration on its policy of deporting immigrants to countries other than their homeland, commonly called third-country deportations. The court's conservative majority lifted a lower court order that had required the government to give migrants notice and an opportunity to contest such removals.

The two developments, though unrelated, both reflect significant shifts in US policy affecting foreign and domestic affairs. The Iraq withdrawal marks the end of an American and coalition military presence that had provided training, air support and advisory assistance to Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State group and other threats. Its conclusion raises questions about how Iraq will manage its security independently and how the reduced US footprint might affect the regional balance of power, including the influence of Iran-backed groups.

On the immigration front, the Supreme Court's order allows deportations to third countries to resume while broader litigation over the practice's legality continues, a policy that has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates concerned about due process protections for migrants facing removal.

Both stories underscore ongoing debates over the reach and consequences of major US policy decisions, both abroad and at home.