US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible drawdown of the US military presence in Italy and Spain, sharply criticizing both countries over their stance on the ongoing war in Iran and a growing rift between Washington and its European allies.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he was actively considering reducing the deployment. “Yeah, well, I probably would. Why shouldn’t I?” He said this when asked about possible military cuts in two NATO member countries.“Italy has not helped us at all and Spain has been terrible, absolutely terrible,” he said.Also read: Is America leaving NATO? Why Spain-Iran war could be Trump’s biggest global blow?The comments reflect the latest increase in tensions between the United States and its NATO allies, many of whom have opposed the US-backed military campaign against Iran and direct involvement in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Troop cuts across Europe being reviewed

Trump’s comments on Italy and Spain came an hour after he indicated that Washington was already “studying and reviewing potential reductions” of US forces in Germany, suggesting a broader reassessment of America’s military footprint in Europe.As of December 31, 2025, there were 12,662 active-duty U.S. troops deployed to Italy and 3,814 active-duty U.S. troops to Spain. Germany hosts a fairly large contingent of 36,436 US personnel, making it the backbone of the US military presence in Europe.The potential decline reflects Trump’s long-standing frustrations with NATO allies over burden-sharing and defense commitments, now exacerbated by disagreements over the Iran conflict.

NATO allies criticized over Iran war

Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for failing to support the US-Israeli operation against Iran and for not contributing to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint disrupted by the conflict.Earlier this month, Trump also took aim at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she lacked “courage” on Iran in comments to an Italian newspaper, a sign of tensions even with the leaders previously seen as close ideological allies.Spain has also faced frequent criticism from Washington, not only for its opposition to military operations against Iran but also for failing to increase defense spending in line with NATO expectations. A recent report suggested the US is also considering ways to suspend Spain from NATO, although no formal move has been confirmed.

Germany dispute deepens amid war tensions

Tensions have extended to Germany, where Trump has repeatedly attacked Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of interfering in US foreign policy by failing to manage domestic and regional crises.“Germany’s Chancellor should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (where he has been completely ineffective!) and fixing his broken country, especially immigration and energy, and less time on meddling with those who want to get rid of the Iran nuclear threat,” Trump wrote in a social media post.He said that the war on Iran, despite rising global energy prices, “is making the world a safer place, including Germany”.Trump’s comments came after criticism from Mertz, who questioned Washington’s strategy in the Iran conflict and warned about the risks of prolonged military involvement, drawing parallels with past 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, stresses NATO unity

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Germany has tried to maintain diplomatic balance. Foreign Minister Johann Waddefull said Berlin is open to the possibility of reducing US troop levels while continuing discussions within the NATO framework.“We’re ready for it,” Wadefull said. “We are discussing this closely and in a spirit of confidence in all NATO bodies, and we are looking forward to a decision from the Americans on this.”“We are following a clear guideline, especially during this turbulent phase,” Merz said, reiterating his commitment to the transatlantic alliance. “This guideline focuses on a strong NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership.”

Widespread consequences from the Iran conflict

The growing discord underscores the broader geopolitical impact of the Iran war, which the United States launched with Israel without full consultation with NATO partners. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring and disrupting supply chains around the world.Washington has defended its actions as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, although differences remain within the alliance over both the strategy and its long-term consequences.The United States has also supported Israel in related developments, including blocking a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, calling the mission a “meaningless political stunt” and urging allies to refuse military support for such efforts.However, Spain condemned the interception and summoned Israel’s envoy, highlighting differences within Europe over Middle East policy.