Trump Threatens to Withdraw US Troops from Italy and Spain Over Iran War Reluctance

President Trump threatened to withdraw US troops stationed in Italy and Spain as the rift between the United States and European allies deepened over their reluctance to back Washington's Iran war strategy. The threat marks a significant escalation in the transatlantic dispute, with Trump leveraging the US military footprint in Southern Europe as a pressure tool against allies unwilling to align with his Iran policy. NATO simultaneously sought formal clarification from the Pentagon on the scale and timeline of the announced Germany withdrawal, with Secretary General Rutte calling for 'urgent consultations.' Italy's Defense Minister Crosetto said Rome was awaiting 'official communication' from the US. Spain's PM Sanchez reiterated his government's commitment to NATO 'within international law' but rejected the threats as 'unacceptable pressure.' The US has approximately 13,000 troops in Italy (including at Aviano Air Base and Sigonella, Sicily) and approximately 3,500 at Naval Station Rota in Spain — both strategically critical hubs for Mediterranean and Atlantic operations.