Trump Weighs Punishing 4 NATO Allies Over Iran War Support

The Trump administration is weighing a plan to punish certain NATO allies for what it deems a lack of support during the war with Iran, potentially by relocating some of the 84,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The proposal, while stopping short of a full U.S. withdrawal from the alliance, signals a significant escalation in transatlantic tensions.

"It’s quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the last six weeks when it’s the American people who have been funding their defense," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday. She added that President Trump anticipated a "frank and candid conversation" with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who was in Washington for talks.

The plan, which officials say is in the early stages, would involve moving U.S. forces away from countries considered unhelpful during the conflict and redeploying them to more supportive nations. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. has roughly 84,000 troops across Europe, serving as a critical hub for global military operations and a deterrent against Russian aggression.

This potential repositioning represents a tangible consequence of the growing rift between the U.S. and its European allies following the decision to launch the war against Iran without broad allied backing. While the move would not require congressional approval, unlike a full withdrawal, it could fundamentally alter the security landscape in Europe and further strain the 77-year-old alliance.

Unhelpful Allies Face Troop Pullout

The proposal to punish certain NATO members follows actions by several European governments that the Trump administration viewed as obstructive. Officials have expressed frustration with Germany after its leaders criticized the war, and with Spain, which reportedly blocked U.S. planes involved in the operation from using its airspace.

Other allies also imposed restrictions. Italy briefly blocked the U.S. from using an air base in Sicily, while France placed conditions on the use of a base in its southern region, according to the Journal. Beyond moving troops, the White House is also reportedly considering the closure of at least one U.S. base, possibly in Germany or Spain.

Eastern Flank Could See Troop Increase

In contrast, the plan could reward countries that were more aligned with the U.S. position. Nations including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece are viewed as potential beneficiaries of a troop realignment. These countries have higher defense spending levels and were among the first to support an international coalition to monitor the Strait of Hormuz.

Shifting forces eastward would place more U.S. troops closer to the Russian border, a move likely to antagonize Moscow but one that would be welcomed by Eastern European allies who have long advocated for a more robust U.S. presence. The discussions come as President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO's response to the Iran conflict, stating this week he was "very disappointed" with the alliance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.