President Trump is considering a plan to move American troops away from NATO countries he believes are 'not very helpful' in the conflict with Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The proposal, which is still in an early phase, is one of several alternatives The White House is considering to pressure allies over limited support for US-led operations.
NATO disagreement over Iran increases
The plan will relocate parts of approximately 84,000 American soldiers stationed in Europe. Trump and his team have expressed frustration over allies who have denied the US logistical assistance, access to airspace, or use of bases during the attacks on Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration must reassess the value of NATO.
Trump himself has called some allies 'cowards' and referred to the alliance as a 'paper tiger'.
Countries considered supportive, including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece, may receive more forces. These nations have had a closer alignment with Washington's priorities on the eastern flank.
Trade threats already implemented
Trump threatened to cut all trade with Spain after the country refused to allow American military bases to be used during attacks on Iran.
He asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end all business with Madrid.
At the same time, Trump announced an immediate 50% tariff on goods from any country that supplies weapons to Iran, without exceptions or exemptions.
Russia and China are Iran's main weapons suppliers.
No tariff package specifically targeting 'less helpful' NATO members has been formally announced.
Yet, the episode with Spain and Trump's pattern of combining military pressure with economic sanctions suggests that such measures may come.
The proposal involves moving American troops from 'less helpful' countries to those that were 'more supportive' of the Iran war. The plan is still in early development and is one of several the White House is discussing to punish NATO," wrote Kobeissi Letter referring to WSJ.
Whether tariffs become a similar tool against reluctant NATO countries may depend on how the alliance responds while ceasefire talks with Iran continue.