Canada has withdrawn its military personnel from Iraq alongside NATO allies, confirmed Defence Minister David McGuinty. The move follows Iranian strikes on allied bases and escalating Gulf tensions.
NATO’s top commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, stated hundreds of personnel were relocated to Europe from their advisory mission launched in 2018. Canadian personnel are now safe in secure locations.
President Trump signaled a potential U.S. drawdown, claiming objectives near completion - even as reports indicate 2,500 additional Marines are being deployed to the region.
Trump demanded Gulf allies police the Strait of Hormuz themselves, calling past NATO refusals “cowardly.” Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Japan responded they’re willing to “contribute to appropriate efforts” - without specifying actions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized diplomacy remains Canada’s focus, with any military support contingent on local needs, laws, and allied consultations.
Canada confirms no involvement in current war planning. Roughly 200 personnel remain across six Middle East operations, with some redeployed for security reasons. Thirty-five CAF members attached to U.S. Air Force units have not deployed to the Gulf.
