Trump Signals Possible Troop Cuts in Italy and Spain

US President Donald Trump has indicated he may consider withdrawing US troops from Italy and Spain, a day after saying Washington was reviewing its military presence in Germany.

Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for what he sees as insufficient support in the conflict with Iran, particularly their failure to assist efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed to global shipping since the start of the war.

An internal Pentagon document suggests the US is also weighing punitive measures against allies it says have not supported its operations. One option under consideration is the suspension of Spain’s NATO membership.

Trump sharply criticized both countries, saying “Italy has not been of any help to us” and describing Spain as “absolutely horrible”. Madrid has previously refused to allow the use of its military bases for operations linked to attacks on Iran, leading Trump to threaten a trade embargo.

The US has about 68,000 troops in Europe, with more than half stationed in Germany.

(reuters, est)