Experts fear US troop removal from Afghanistan and Iraq could further embolden Iran

…United Against Nuclear Iran policy director Jason Brodsky (no relation to Matt Brodsky) said the drawdowns "are inconsistent with a strategy of maximum pressure on Iran." "In Iraq, Iran's Axis of Resistance wants to see Washington gone. Withdrawing also reduces US leverage and influence in Baghdad. Iraq's government remains trapped between an American rock and an Iranian hard place," he said. "Iraqi officials who are allies of the United States are already concerned about a premature return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as that would empower Tehran in the country as a result of sanctions relief."