ZAGREB — In a dramatic foreign policy move that has shaken political circles in Europe, Croatian President Zoran Milanović today ordered the withdrawal of all Croatian soldiers from missions in Iraq and Lebanon saying their safety can no longer be assured amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
President Milanović, condemning what he described as “unilateral military action without a United Nations mandate,” voiced deep concerns over recent attacks in Iran — citing rising risks to global security and legal order. He said Croatia must safeguard its own servicemen and outlined the pullout of seven troops from Iraq and one from Lebanon with immediate effect.
The decision has sparked a fierce backlash inside Croatia, with Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman stressing that as a member of NATO and the United Nations, Croatia still has obligations to international missions and should coordinate such moves with government authorities. Critics say Milanović acted independently without prior consultation.
While this is one of the most significant Croatian military decisions in recent years, there is no official announcement that Croatia is leaving NATO — a cornerstone of its defense policy since joining the alliance. Croatian forces continue to participate in other NATO operations.
Analysts say the removal of troops reflects growing unease among European leaders about spillover from Middle Eastern conflicts, especially after rising tensions involving Iran and Western powers — but it stops short of a full abandonment of Croatia’s international commitments.
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