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U.S. Presses NATO to Narrow Role, Requesting End to Iraq Mission

Any shift requires agreement by all 32 allies, according to NATO.

Overview

  • Washington is urging a refocus on core Euro-Atlantic defense under a “NATO 3.0” approach that pares back out-of-area activities.
  • The U.S. asked allies to terminate NATO Mission Iraq as early as September, paired with a separate plan to withdraw about 2,500 American troops under a 2024 deal with Baghdad.
  • Signals to wind down the NATO-led Kosovo Force have alarmed European diplomats, though discussions remain at an early stage.
  • The administration is pressing to keep Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea out of the Ankara summit’s formal sessions, with participation limited to side events.
  • NATO will forgo this year’s public forum in favor of a NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, a cost-saving step that some diplomats also link to perceived U.S. pressure.