The US could withdraw its troops from Spain and Italy due to their lack of support in the military offensive against Iran

President Donald Trump left open the possibility of withdrawing US troops from Europe, saying he would “probably” consider reducing the military presence in Spain and Italy.amid growing tensions with NATO allies over the war against Iran.

The statements come just one day after the president confirmed that his administration is evaluating cuts to military personnel in Germany, a country that hosts the largest contingent of US troops on the European continent.

When asked at the White House whether he would extend this measure to other nations, Trump responded: “Probably… why shouldn’t I?”, and harshly criticized both countries. “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been substandard, absolutely substandard,” he stated..

Tensions with allies due to conflict in Iran

The president has repeatedly expressed his frustration with European partners for what he considers a lack of support for the military offensive launched on February 28 against Iran, in coordination with Israel.. According to Washington, several allies did not support key actions, such as guaranteeing maritime transit in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Live, Trump has singled out Spain for refusing to authorize the use of US military bases in its territory for operations linked to the conflict. Last month, he even threatened to impose trade sanctions if Madrid maintained that position.

According to reports, an internal Pentagon memo evaluated possible measures to pressure allied countriesincluding the option of suspending Spain from NATO, a proposal that reflects the level of friction within the alliance.

Military presence in Europe under review

Currently, the United States maintains a significant presence in the region, with approximately 3,200 troops in Spanish bases and some 12,000 stationed in Italy. For the president, maintaining these troops is an unjustified expense if the host countries do not support the security priorities of his administration.. “When we needed them, they were not there. We have to remember that,” he said in a stinging tone.

Trump’s verbal offensive did not stop in the Mediterranean. The president also attacked the German chancellor, Friedrich Merzcalling his management an “awful job.” According to Trump, Germany is mired in immigration and energy problems, in addition to being “in a mess” with the war in Ukraine, which in his eyes weakens its position as a strategic ally.

Merz, for his part, has tried to calm the waters by stating that his personal relationship with Trump remains stable, although he has not hesitated to point out that the United States is suffering a “humiliation” from Iran, a comment that further lit the fuse in Washington.

As the White House promises a final decision “within a short period of time,” European allies watch nervously as the Trump administration appears increasingly willing to dismantle the Alliance’s historic commitments if its demands for unconditional support are not met.

Analysts point out that any decision on the withdrawal of troops would have both military and diplomatic implicationsat a time when global stability faces pressure from conflicts in different regions.

For now, the White House has not detailed a specific timetable or the scope of possible cuts, although Trump himself assured that a decision will be made “in a short period of time.” Meanwhile, uncertainty is growing among European allies regarding a possible rearrangement of the US military presence on the continent.

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