NATO has conducted an evacuation of its personnel from Iraq due to increasing tensions and Iranian attacks on targets within the country. In a statement, Grinkeviča expressed gratitude to the Republic of Iraq and allies who assisted in ensuring the safety of NATO staff during the operation. He also acknowledged the professionalism of NATO's mission personnel who continued their duties amidst the escalating conflict.

The evacuation operation comes in the wake of Iranian strikes in retaliation for the ongoing bombing campaign led by Israel and the United States, which began in late February. As Iraq shares a border with Iran and hosts several Western military bases, the situation in the region has become increasingly precarious, raising concerns for NATO’s continued presence and operations in Iraq. The alliance has not disclosed the exact number of personnel evacuated, though reports suggest it involved several hundred individuals.

Since its inception in 2018, NATO's mission in Iraq has aimed to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group known as the Islamic State. As the situation evolves, the mission will now operate from the alliance's operational headquarters in Naples, highlighting a shift in NATO's approach to maintaining security and stability in the region while dealing with new threats arising from ongoing conflicts.