President Trump is considering a plan to withdraw American troops from NATO countries that he finds 'not helpful' in the conflict with Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The proposal is still in an early stage and is one of the options from the White House to pressure allies due to their limited support for US-led operations.
NATO division over Iran is growing
With the plan, parts of the approximately 84,000 American troops spread across Europe would be relocated. Trump and his team are frustrated with allies who did not grant the US logistical assistance, access to airspace, or base usage during attacks on Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration should reassess the value of NATO.
Trump himself has called some allies 'cowards' and referred to the alliance as a 'paper tiger'.
Countries seen as supportive, such as Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece, may receive additional troops. These countries align more closely with Washington's priorities in Eastern Europe.
Trade threats already deployed
Trump threatened to end all trade with Spain after that country refused to allow the use of American military bases for attacks on Iran.
He ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever all ties with Madrid.
Meanwhile, Trump announced direct tariffs of 50% on goods from any country that supplies weapons to Iran, without exceptions or exemptions.
Russia and China are the main arms suppliers to Iran.
No tariff package specifically targeting 'non-helpful' NATO members has been officially announced yet.
However, the Spanish issue and Trump's pattern of combining military pressure with economic sanctions suggest that trade measures may follow.
"The proposal would mean that American troops are moved from 'non-helpful' countries to countries that are 'more supportive' of the Iran War 2. The plan is still in its infancy and is one of the options the White House is discussing to punish NATO," reported the Kobeissi Letter, referring to the WSJ.
Whether tariffs become the pressure tool for countries refusing to cooperate may depend on how NATO responds as talks on a ceasefire with Iran continue.