US President Donald Trump has signaled a possible reduction in the presence of US forces in Italy and Spain, sharply criticizing both countries for their stance on the ongoing war with Iran and widening the growing rift between Washington and its European allies.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he was seriously considering reducing deployments. “Yes, maybe, maybe I would. Why wouldn’t I?” He said when asked about possible troop reductions in the two NATO member countries.He added: “Italy did not give us any help, and Spain was terrible, absolutely terrible.”Read also: Will the United States withdraw from NATO? Why a Spain-Iran war could deliver Trump’s biggest global shockThe statements represent the latest escalation in tensions between the United States and its NATO partners, many of whom have resisted direct participation in the US-backed military campaign against Iran and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Troop reductions are under review across Europe
Trump’s comments on Italy and Spain come hours after he indicated that Washington is “already considering and reviewing a potential reduction” of US forces in Germany, signaling a broader reassessment of the US military footprint in Europe.As of December 31, 2025, there were 12,662 active-duty U.S. soldiers stationed in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. Germany hosts a much larger contingent, including 36,436 US personnel, making it the backbone of the US military presence in Europe.
The potential withdrawal reflects Trump’s long-standing frustration with NATO allies over burden-sharing and defense commitments, now exacerbated by disagreements over the Iranian conflict.
Criticisms of NATO allies regarding the Iran war
Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for failing to support the US-Israeli operation against Iran and not contributing to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit corridor that has been disrupted by the conflict.Earlier this month, Trump also took aim at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she lacked “courage” toward Iran in comments to an Italian newspaper, suggesting tension even with leaders previously seen as close ideological allies.Spain has also been under constant criticism from Washington, not only for its opposition to military operations against Iran, but also for its failure to increase defense spending in line with NATO expectations.
A recent report indicated that the United States is considering exploring ways to suspend Spain’s membership in NATO, although no official move has been confirmed.
German discord deepens amid war tensions
The tensions extended to Germany, where Trump launched repeated attacks on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of interfering in American foreign policy while failing to manage internal and regional crises.“The German Chancellor should spend more time ending the war with Russia and Ukraine (where he has been completely ineffective!), repairing his broken country, especially immigration and energy, and less time interfering with those getting rid of the Iranian nuclear threat,” Trump wrote in a social media post.He added that the war on Iran, despite pushing up global energy prices, “makes the world, including Germany, a safer place.”Trump’s statements came after criticism from Merz, who questioned Washington’s strategy in the Iranian conflict and warned of the dangers of prolonged military involvement, comparing it to previous wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.The US President responded earlier this week by saying that the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” further straining relations between the two countries.
Europe urges caution and stresses NATO unity
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Germany sought to maintain diplomatic balance. Foreign Minister Johan Wadevoll said that Berlin is prepared for the possibility of reducing US troop levels while continuing discussions within NATO frameworks.“We are ready for this,” Wadiful said. He added: “We are discussing the matter closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies, and we expect decisions from the Americans on this matter.”Merz also reiterated his commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying: “We follow a clear compass, especially during this turbulent phase, and this compass remains focused on a strong NATO and a trusted transatlantic partnership.”
Wider implications of the Iranian conflict
The growing dispute highlights the broader geopolitical impact of the Iran war, which the United States launched on the side of Israel without fully consulting NATO partners.
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, sending oil prices soaring and impacting supply chains around the world.Washington has defended its actions as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, despite continuing divisions within the alliance over the strategy and its long-term consequences.The United States also supported Israel in related developments, including its interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza, calling the mission a “senseless political ploy” and urging allies to deny logistical support for such efforts.But Spain condemned the interception and summoned the Israeli ambassador, further highlighting divisions within Europe over Middle East policy.
