President Trump is considering a plan to move U.S. troops out of NATO countries that he considers 'unhelpful' in the Iran conflict, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The plan is still in its early stages and is one of several options from the White House to pressure allies for limited support for U.S.-led operations.
The NATO dispute over Iran deepens
The plan involves moving some of the approximately 84,000 American soldiers in Europe to other countries. Trump and his team have expressed frustration with allies who denied the U.S. logistical support, airspace access, or bases for strikes against Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration must reassess NATO's value.
Trump himself has called some allies 'cowards' and referred to the defense alliance as a 'paper tiger.'
Countries that are considered to support the United States, such as Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece, could receive additional troops in their regions. These states have moved closer to Washington's eastern priorities.
Trade threats ongoing
Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after Spain did not allow the United States to use military bases for strikes against Iran.
He ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cease all contacts with Madrid.
At the same time, Trump announced immediate 50% tariffs on goods from all countries that supply weapons to Iran, without exceptions.
Russia and China are Iran's most significant arms suppliers.
No tariff package specifically targeting 'non-helpful' NATO countries has yet been officially announced.
However, the case of Spain and Trump's method of linking military pressure to economic sanctions suggest that trade measures may be possible in the future.
"The plan would involve the transfer of U.S. troops from 'non-helpful' countries to those countries that were 'more supportive' in the Iran War 2. The plan is still in development and is one of several being considered by the White House to penalize NATO," Kobeissi Letter mentions, referring to the WSJ.
Whether tariffs are implemented as a countermeasure may be related to how NATO reacts as ceasefire negotiations with Iran continue.