The US is pulling its last troops out of Iraq because it can no longer defend them from Iranian missiles and drones — a clear loss for Washington and a win for Iran.

• US forces are leaving bases near Erbil in Kurdistan, and Patriot air defense systems have already been hauled out.
• The retreat follows drone and missile attacks by Iran and its allies, plus recent American deaths in Iraq and Jordan.
• The military is running low on interceptors and missiles, forcing it to pull back and protect only its most vital assets.
• A top US general has warned he no longer has enough Navy ships to shield both Israel and US bases, and may have to pick one.
• Even the New York Times now calls the Iran war a strategic defeat, with none of Washington's goals met and the Strait of Hormuz closed.

Outlook: The full withdrawal from Iraq looks set to finish by the September 30 deadline, leaving Iran stronger and the US with far less leverage in the region.