Finance
NATO Withdraws Troops From Iraq Mission to Europe as Iran War Rages
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Summary
NATO has safely relocated several hundred personnel from its non‑combat advisory mission in Iraq to Europe, now operating from Naples amid spillover from the Iran war.
NATO Relocates Troops From Iraq to Europe Amid Growing Iran Conflict
NATO's Troop Withdrawal and Mission Relocation
Official Announcement of Withdrawal
BRUSSELS, March 20 (Reuters) - NATO has withdrawn all of its troops from an advisory mission in Iraq, the military alliance said on Friday, as the repercussions of the Iran war spread across the Middle East.
Statement from NATO Leadership
"I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq," U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said in a statement.
Details on Troop Numbers and Relocation
The statement said the mission had relocated "all its personnel" from the Middle East to Europe. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amounted to "several hundred" troops.
International Response and Regional Impact
In recent days, several countries including Poland, Spain and Croatia have announced they have withdrawn troops from the Middle East, citing the conflict in Iran and the wider Gulf region.
Future of the NATO Mission
NATO said its mission would continue from a military headquarters in Naples, Italy. The mission does not have a combat role. It focuses on advising Iraqi security forces and helping them build up their capacities, according to NATO.
Recognition of NATO Personnel
“I would also like to thank the dedicated men and women of NATO Mission Iraq, who continued their mission throughout this period. They are true professionals," Grynkewich said.
(Reporting by Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, William Maclean)
Key Takeaways
- •NATO has fully withdrawn its advisory troops from Iraq, relocating them to Europe under safe conditions.
- •The mission remains non‑combat and will now run from NATO’s Naples HQ, continuing advisory work remotely.
- •Several NATO members—including Poland, Spain and Croatia—have also pulled forces from the Middle East due to escalating Iran‑related tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about NATO withdraws troops from Iraq mission to Europe as Iran war rages
1Why did NATO withdraw troops from its Iraq mission?
NATO withdrew all its troops from the advisory mission in Iraq due to the spreading repercussions of the Iran war in the Middle East.
2Where have NATO personnel from Iraq been relocated?
NATO personnel previously stationed in Iraq have been relocated to Europe, continuing their mission from a military headquarters in Naples, Italy.
3Does the NATO mission in Iraq involve combat operations?
No, the NATO mission in Iraq focuses on advising and assisting Iraqi security forces and does not have a combat role.
4How many troops have been withdrawn from the NATO mission in Iraq?
According to a NATO official, several hundred troops have been withdrawn from Iraq as part of the relocation.
5Which countries have announced troop withdrawals from the Middle East?
Countries including Poland, Spain, and Croatia have announced troop withdrawals from the Middle East, citing the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region.
