09.04.2026 15:50
The Trump administration is preparing to punish some NATO allies that it believes did not provide sufficient support to the U.S. and Israel during the Iran war. In this context, countries from Europe such as Germany, Spain, and France are on the list.
It has been suggested that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a new step against some NATO allies that it believes did not provide sufficient support during the Iran war process. According to claims, countries such as Germany, Spain, and France are targeted in the plan.
According to reports in the U.S. press, the Washington administration is considering withdrawing American troops from NATO countries that do not support the Iran war and reallocating them to countries that provide more support. The plan is said to be a more limited step compared to the option of completely withdrawing from NATO.
BASE CLOSURE OPTION ON THE AGENDA
The plan, which is said to be in the draft stage, may not only involve the relocation of troops but also the closure of U.S. bases in some European countries. In this context, Germany and Spain are particularly highlighted among the countries.
While the U.S. has approximately 84,000 troops across Europe, these bases are critically important for both military operations and regional balance.
Spain: Spain, the only NATO country that has not committed to spending 5% of its GDP on defense, had prevented U.S. aircraft participating in the Iran operation from using its airspace. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that being on the same line as the U.S. regarding Iran was a "mistake," advocating for a more autonomous and competitive Europe.
Germany: Despite being one of the largest and most important centers for supporting U.S. military operations in the Middle East, the criticism of Trump's war by senior German officials has caused disappointment in the administration.
Italy and France: Italy temporarily prevented the U.S. from using an airbase in Sicily, while the French government allowed the U.S. to use a base in southern France only with the guarantee that only aircraft not participating in the Iran attacks would land there.
EASTERN EUROPE COMES TO THE FORE
If the plan is implemented, it is stated that countries such as Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece could benefit from the increased deployment of U.S. troops. These countries are shown among those supporting the Iran operations.
However, it is also considered that this move could lead to U.S. troops getting closer to the Russian border and could disturb Moscow.
TRUMP'S HARSH CRITICISM OF NATO
U.S. President Trump harshly criticized NATO's stance on the Iran war, describing the alliance's failure to provide sufficient support as an "indelible stain." It is reported that Trump has recently brought up the option of completely withdrawing from NATO.
European officials argue that they were not sufficiently consulted before the war, stating that this situation makes it difficult to develop a common military stance.