U.S. Deploys Thousands of Marines to Middle East as NATO Withdraws from Iraq

Pentagon surges rapid-response forces to the region while NATO relocates its advisory mission to Europe amid escalating Iranian threats against global targets.

NATO Mission Iraq personnel redeployed March 20, 2026. Mission to adjust posture and continue its non-combat advisory mission from Joint Force Command Naples, Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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