Headlines
Spain to Move Iraq Troops Over Risks From Iran War, Defence Minister Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 18, 2026
Quick Summary
Spain will relocate around 300 troops from Iraq amid escalating regional instability tied to the Iran war, as Madrid also bans U.S. use of its airbases for Iran-related operations.
Spain to Relocate Iraq Troops Citing Iran Conflict and Security Risks
Spain's Decision to Evacuate Troops from Iraq
Background of Spanish Troop Deployment
MADRID, March 18 (Reuters) - Spain plans to evacuate and relocate troops deployed in Iraq in the coming days due to the conflict in Iran and the wider Gulf region, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Wednesday.
Around 300 Spanish troops are deployed in Iraq, both as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State formed in 2015 under Operation Inherent Resolve and a separate NATO mission advising Iraqi government forces since 2018.
Special Forces Unit Temporary Relocation
The ministry had already said on Sunday that a special forces unit comprising 71 soldiers had been temporarily relocated from their base given the impossibility of carrying out tasks such as training Iraqi counter-terrorism forces.
Robles did not elaborate on where the troops would be moved to.
Regional Security Risks and International Response
Impact of U.S.-Israeli War on Iran
The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, now in its third week, has quickly become a regional conflict that shows no signs of de-escalation. Spain has criticised the offensive and banned U.S. aircraft from using jointly operated bases in southern Spain.
Actions by Other NATO Allies
Germany and Norway's Troop Reductions
Other NATO allies such as Germany or Norway are also sharply drawing down their presence in the region due to the security risks. Berlin has pulled Bundeswehr troops from Lebanon and northern Iraq's Erbil, while Oslo said it was relocating some of the around 60 soldiers it has in the Middle East.
Recent Attacks in the Region
A drone attack in northern Iraq killed a French soldier and wounded six others last week.
(Reporting by Emma Pinedo; Editing by David Latona and Alison Williams)
Key Takeaways
- •Spain plans to move about 300 troops deployed in Iraq due to heightened risks from the Iran war, citing security concerns and disrupted training operations.
- •Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares have firmly refused U.S. use of jointly‑operated Spanish bases for strikes on Iran, prompting relocation of U.S. aircraft.
- •Other NATO allies, including Germany and Norway, are likewise withdrawing or relocating troops in the wider region due to the conflict’s destabilizing effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spain to move Iraq troops over risks from Iran war, defence minister says
1Why is Spain relocating its troops from Iraq?
Spain is relocating troops due to security risks from the Iran conflict and wider instability in the Gulf region.
2How many Spanish troops are being moved from Iraq?
Around 300 Spanish troops are deployed in Iraq, with some already temporarily relocated.
3What missions are Spanish troops involved in Iraq?
Spanish troops are part of Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State and a NATO mission advising Iraqi forces.
4How have other NATO countries responded to the conflict?
Countries like Germany and Norway have drawn down or relocated their forces in the region due to the security threats.
5Has Spain taken other measures regarding the Iran conflict?
Spain has banned U.S. aircraft from using jointly operated bases in southern Spain.