WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has indicated that American troops could be withdrawn from Italy and Spain, sharply criticising both countries for their stance on the ongoing Iran conflict. His remarks underline a growing divide between Washington and key European allies.
The comments come at a time when tensions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have widened over the US-led military campaign against Tehran, with several European nations reluctant to participate directly in operations or in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said a reduction in troop presence was under consideration. Asked about scaling back deployments in Italy and Spain, he replied, “Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?”
He went on to criticise both countries, saying, “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”
The remarks mark a new escalation in Washington’s friction with European partners. Many NATO members have distanced themselves from the US offensive against Iran, as well as from maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route affected by the conflict.
Trump’s comments also follow his earlier statement that the US is reviewing its troop presence in Germany, signalling a broader rethink of America’s military footprint across Europe.
According to official figures from late 2025, the US has 12,662 active-duty troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. Germany hosts the largest contingent, with more than 36,000 personnel.
The proposed drawdown reflects Trump’s long-standing criticism of allied burden-sharing, now intensified by disagreements over Middle East operations. He has repeatedly faulted European governments for not backing the joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran and for what he describes as inaction on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier this month, Trump also targeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her stance on Iran. Spain, meanwhile, has faced stronger criticism, with reports suggesting Washington even examined the possibility of suspending the country from NATO over its opposition to the war and defence spending levels.
Germany has not been spared either. Trump recently criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz on social media, accusing him of interfering in US foreign policy.
“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken country, especially immigration and energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran nuclear threat,” Trump said.
He maintained that the campaign against Iran is “making the world, including Germany, a safer place,” despite rising global energy costs.
Germany prepares for possible US troop cutsTrump’s remarks followed concerns raised by Chancellor Merz, who compared the current situation to prolonged US engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US President dismissed those concerns, saying the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is preparing for a potential reduction in US forces. “We are prepared for that,” Wadephul said, adding that discussions are continuing within NATO “in a spirit of trust.”
Despite the tensions, Merz has reiterated Germany’s commitment to a strong NATO alliance and continued transatlantic ties.
The developments come against the backdrop of the Iran conflict, which has disrupted energy markets and global supply chains. While Washington maintains that its actions are aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the lack of full coordination with allies remains a major sticking point.
The divide was also visible in recent reactions to West Asia developments, with Spain criticising an Israeli interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, an operation the US defended as a “meaningless political stunt.”
Agencies