Norway moves soldiers out of Iraq in face of rising US‑Iran standoff

Norwegian forces have begun relocating troops from Iraq as fears of a potential conflict between the United States and Iran escalate, the Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed to VG.

The move comes after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard conducted a military exercise near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, releasing images of the manoeuvres.

The Norwegian Armed Forces’ Operational Headquarters (FOH) said approximately 60 personnel are stationed across Iraq and Jordan. “Some of these have been re-located due to rising tensions in the region, in coordination with our coalition partners,” FOH spokesperson Brynjar Stordal said.

Stordal added that Norwegian troops remain in the area to assist local security forces, but the new security situation has made their mission more challenging. “We have several soldiers continuing their duties where possible. They have undergone security procedures and continue to carry out their tasks,” he said, without specifying locations or numbers.

Tensions in the Middle East have heightened amid warnings from Iran of potential retaliatory strikes should the United States initiate military action. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Tehran stated that any bases, facilities, or resources of enemy forces in the region would be considered legitimate targets.

The United States has reportedly reduced personnel at some bases near Iran in anticipation of potential counterattacks.

Norwegian forces have been present in Iraq since 2015 as part of the international coalition against Islamic State (IS), primarily assisting with security and base protection. Current deployments focus on the US military base in Erbil, where Norwegian troops help safeguard the facility alongside allied forces.

Recent US military movements have included F-35, F-22, and F-18 aircraft heading to the Middle East, forming the largest air presence in the region in two decades. US officials have demanded that Iran disclose the full extent of its nuclear programme.

Negotiations in Geneva this week between US and Iranian representatives over uranium enrichment ended without agreement. US President Donald Trump described the talks as “good” but emphasised that he would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

By Aghakazim Guliyev