The additional 1,500 troops nearly double the current contingent and are being sent following a request from the Iraqi government.

The government has stepped up its campaign against Islamic State and other enemies in the weeks since U.S.-led strikes began.

U.S. President Barack Obama said "big gaps" remain in negotiations concerning uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.

A former communist, Giorgio Napolitano was first elected to parliament in 1953 and has been a politician most of his life.

Bernardino Leon, who had planned to travel to other cities on his visit, left immediately after the blasts for the airport.

One protest in Barcelona witnessed minor scuffles but no arrests. Other rallies in favor of the vote were also held.