Trump Signals Potential Troop Cuts in Italy, Spain Over Iran War Stance

US President Donald Trump has signalled a possible reduction of American troop presence in Italy and Spain, sharply criticising both countries over their stance on the ongoing Iran war and widening a growing rift between Washington and its European allies. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he is actively considering scaling back deployments. "Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn't I?" he said when asked about potential troop cuts in the two Nato member states. He added, "Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible." The remarks mark the latest escalation in tensions between the United States and its Nato partners, many of whom have resisted direct involvement in the US-backed military campaign against Iran and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Troop reductions under review across Europe Trump's comments on Italy and Spain come a hours after he indicated that Washington was already "studying and reviewing the possible reduction" 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 US troops stationed in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. Germany hosts a significantly larger contingent, with 36,436 American personnel, making it the backbone of US military presence in Europe. The potential drawdown reflects Trump's long-standing frustration with Nato allies over burden-sharing and defence commitments, now intensified by disagreements over the Iran conflict. Criticism of Nato allies over Iran war Trump has repeatedly criticised 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 critical oil transit chokepoint disrupted by the conflict. Earlier this month, Trump also targeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she lacked "courage" on Iran in comments to an Italian newspaper, signalling strain even with leaders previously seen as close ideological allies. Spain has also come under sustained criticism from Washington, not only for its opposition to military operations against Iran but also for failing to increase defence spending in line with Nato expectations. A recent report suggested that the US was even considering exploring ways to suspend Spain from Nato, though no formal move has been confirmed. Germany row deepens amid war tensions The tensions have extended to Germany, where Trump has launched repeated attacks on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of interfering in US foreign policy while failing to manage domestic and regional crises. "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 wrote in a social media post. He added that the war on Iran, despite pushing global energy prices higher, is "making the World, including Germany, a safer place." Trump's remarks followed criticism from Merz, who questioned Washington's strategy in the Iran conflict and warned about the risks of prolonged military engagement, drawing parallels with past wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US president responded earlier this week by saying the German leader "doesn't know what he's talking about," further straining ties between the two countries. Europe urges caution, stresses Nato unity Despite the sharp rhetoric, Germany has sought to maintain diplomatic balance. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin was prepared for the possibility of reduced US troop levels while continuing discussions within Nato frameworks. "We are prepared for that," Wadephul said. "We are discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all Nato bodies, and we are expecting decisions from the Americans about this." Merz has also reiterated his commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying, "We are following a clear compass, especially during this turbulent phase, this compass remains focused on a strong Nato and a reliable transatlantic partnership." Broader fallout from Iran conflict The growing discord underscores the broader geopolitical impact of the Iran war, which the United States launched alongside Israel without full consultation with Nato partners. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively blockaded, sending oil prices higher and affecting supply chains worldwide. Washington has defended its actions as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, though divisions persist within the alliance over both the strategy and its long-term consequences. The United States has also backed Israel in related developments, including its interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, calling the mission a "meaningless political stunt" and urging allies to deny logistical support to such efforts. Spain, however, condemned the interception and summoned Israel's envoy, further highlighting fractures within Europe over Middle East policy.