Iran appeals to US voters as American troops leave Iraq
USO•Iran’s Revolutionary Guard urged Americans to vote out allies of President Donald Trump as US forces withdrew from their remaining bases in Iraq after 23 years. Qatar said it was exchanging messages between the US and Iran in an effort to reach a deal.
1. Iran’s appeal to voters
A 26-page letter published by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps urged Americans to remove current leaders from office and reject US support for Israel and military intervention abroad. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published September 21 found that 17% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living and 34% approved of the strikes on Iran.
2. US withdrawal from Iraq
US forces left their remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday, completing a withdrawal agreed in 2024 by former President Joe Biden. The departure came 23 years after US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein.
3. Qatar pursues mediation
Qatar said it was exchanging messages between US and Iranian officials to seek common ground for a deal. Talks have not produced an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passed before the war began in February. Trump said Iran would give up, while Iran’s proposal called for a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and a pause in fighting.
