Norway has begun relocating part of its roughly 60 troops stationed in the Middle East due to security concerns. A spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed the move on Friday, saying some personnel are being brought back home while others are being sent to different countries in the region. The decision follows heightened tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday to reach an agreement on its nuclear program within 10 to 15 days or face severe consequences. In response, Tehran threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if attacked.

Lieutenant Colonel Vegard Finberg of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters told Reuters that the troops had been engaged in training and other duties with local forces. He explained that the current situation made it impossible for them to continue their primary tasks, prompting the withdrawal. Finberg also noted that several other countries have recently taken similar steps. Norwegian forces are deployed in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

The Norwegian military did not disclose the exact number of troops being moved or the specific locations involved.

Norwegian authorities have opened an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption following disclosures about his connections with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents showing years of communication between Jagland and Epstein, including emails suggesting Jagland stayed at Epstein’s residence. Norway’s white-collar crime unit, Okokrim, said it found reasonable grounds to investigate and has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke Jagland’s immunity as a former head of an international organisation.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Jagland’s immunity should not obstruct the investigation and announced Norway would propose its revocation to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Jagland’s lawyer did not immediately comment but was quoted by local media as saying his client welcomed the inquiry and remained calm about its outcome.

The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny in Norway over ties between prominent figures and Epstein. The World Economic Forum also launched a review into its CEO Borge Brende’s past interactions with Epstein, underscoring growing pressure for transparency among Norwegian elites.

Norway has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, announcing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested if he enters the country. This follows the International Criminal Court’s November 21, 2024, arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Norwegian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik, emphasized their legal obligation to enforce the ICC decision, reflecting Oslo’s commitment to international law and accountability for serious international crimes.

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik confirmed that Norway will continue to supply fuel to the United States Navy, despite earlier opposition from Norwegian company Haltbak Bunkers. The company had initially announced they would not supply fuel to the US Navy but changed their stance following a dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. In a Facebook statement after the meeting, they expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, condemning the behavior of the US leaders and praising President Zelenskyy for enduring the “uncivilized treatment” for so long.