NATO has withdrawn its remaining military trainers from Iraq, relocating personnel to Europe as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, a move confirmed by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Friday. The decision, made eight years after the mission’s deployment, follows similar actions by individual nations, including Spain, which began evacuating its troops earlier this month.
The NATO mission, launched in 2018 at the request of the Iraqi government, aimed to provide training and support to Iraqi security forces to prevent the resurgence of groups like Islamic State. However, Iraq has increasingly develop into a focal point in the wider regional conflict, experiencing attacks targeting bases with international military presence and heightened activity from Iran-backed militias.
According to a statement from SHAPE, the last NATO personnel departed Iraqi territory on Friday. NATO’s Supreme Commander in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, expressed gratitude to Iraqi authorities and contributing nations, praising the departing military personnel as “true professionals.”
While the mission itself is not terminated and will continue to operate from its headquarters in Naples, a swift return to Iraq appears unlikely. The current offensive, defended by both U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as having significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities and eliminated key leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Jamenei, lacks a defined end date.
Spain’s participation in both the NATO training mission and the international coalition previously combating Islamic State, now focused on eliminating remaining militants, has been impacted by the withdrawal. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles acknowledged the difficulties involved in the troop relocation earlier this week, even before all personnel had departed.
The role of NATO in the conflict with Iran has drawn criticism from the United States. President Trump has repeatedly called on allies to contribute to regional security, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Responding to what he characterized as a lack of international support, Trump stated on his Truth Social platform Friday that “without the United States, NATO is wet paper.” He criticized allies for not joining efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and, despite military gains, for complaining about rising oil prices. Trump further asserted that allies are unwilling to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a move he believes would alleviate price pressures, labeling their inaction as “cowardly” and promising to “remember” their response in the coming weeks.
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