Pevkur in Iraq: a fragile but stable security situation allows Estonia to end its mission participation by September

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur visited Iraq this week to meet with the Iraqi Minister of Defence, the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish Minister of Defence, as well as the commanders of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). During the meetings, Minister Pevkur announced that Estonia will end its contribution to the military coalition OIR. He also met with Estonian Defence Forces personnel serving in Erbil and thanked them for their successful participation in the operation.

"The recent developments in the Middle East undeniably affect the already fragile security situation across the region, but Iraq remains stable. This allows us to conclude our participation in the operation and shift our focus to developing Estonia's national defence," said Minister Pevkur. He added that the experience gained in Iraq is invaluable, as Estonia has made a significant contribution over the years to maintaining stability in the region. "Although we are currently ending our involvement in the coalition operation, international security clearly affects Estonia's security as well - therefore, we remain ready to consider supporting our allies if needed," Pevkur noted.

As part of the visit, Pevkur also met with French Major General Christophe Hintzy, Commander of NMI, and U.S. Major General Kevin C. Leahy, Commander of OIR, to discuss the future of the operations. Additionally, Pevkur discussed the regional security situation with President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

OIR is currently Estonia's largest foreign military operation, with up to 110 personnel deployed under a mandate from the Estonian Parliament. Estonia will end its participation in the operation by September of this year, but will continue contributing to NATO's training mission NMI in Baghdad.

"Estonian Defence Forces personnel have demonstrated a high level of professionalism in both operations and are highly regarded by the mission commanders," said the minister.

Since April 2023, Estonia's contribution to OIR has included military advisors, an infantry company, and support units. The advisors - staff officers and non-commissioned officers - are responsible for advising the tactical and operational level headquarters and commanders of the local security forces. The infantry company, formed on the basis of the Scouts Battalion, has been tasked with close protection for visits, movements outside the base, and meetings, as well as quick reaction duties in the immediate vicinity of the Erbil Air Base.

The U.S.-led OIR aims to advise and support Iraqi security forces in building a functional national defence system, enabling them to independently defeat Islamist extremist groups and ensure peace and stability in the country.

The NATO-led NMI supports the development of Iraq's defence capabilities and focuses on countering threats originating from the Alliance's southern flank by helping Iraq build sustainable and accountable security institutions. Estonia contributes to NMI with one staff officer based in Baghdad.

Additional information: press@kaitseministeerium.ee

Photos: Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkuri visiit Iraaki ja Iraagi Kurdistani 15-16.07.2025. Fotod: Andres Lember | Kaitseväe pildigalerii