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NATO said Friday it has fully relocated its mission in Iraq to Europe, with the last personnel departing the country.
“NATO Mission Iraq has adjusted its posture, safely relocating all its personnel from the Middle East to Europe,” the alliance said in a statement.
The non-combat mission had included several hundred personnel.
A French military source said the relocation was temporary and linked to the deteriorating regional security environment.
“Given the current threat environment, it is less relevant to keep them in place,” the source told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Following the relocation, NATO Mission Iraq will continue its work from Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy, the alliance said.
The mission, established in 2018, focuses on providing advice, assistance and training to Iraqi security forces to prevent the resurgence of the Daesh terrorist group.
“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” said Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
He also praised personnel for maintaining operations during the transition.
Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said NATO’s political dialogue and practical cooperation with Iraq would continue despite the relocation.
An Iraqi security official told AFP there was “no disagreement” with the government regarding the redeployment, describing it as a “temporary withdrawal” due to regional tensions.
According to NATO, the mission includes personnel from allied countries as well as partner states such as Austria and Australia, and has been led since May 2025 by French General Christophe Hintzy.
The move comes as hostilities have intensified following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran launched on Feb. 28, which have killed around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
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