US EditionTrump mulls US troop cuts in Italy, Spain over Iran row
Trump said Italy and Spain have not backed U.S. operations against Iran, as officials cited 12,662 troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain.
- On Thursday, President Donald Trump said "probably" when asked if he would withdraw U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, citing their lack of support for operations against Iran.
- The administration's frustration stems from Spain's refusal to allow U.S. military access to bases for Iran missions, while Trump has criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for lacking "courage."
- As of December 31, 2025, 12,662 U.S. troops were based in Italy and 3,814 in Spain, contributing to over 68,000 personnel in Europe while Trump reviews force reductions in Germany.
- An internal Pentagon report outlined options for the United States to punish NATO allies failing to support operations, including potentially suspending Spain from the alliance.
- Trump has also lambasted allies for failing to secure the Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers and for not increasing defense spending, while considering withdrawing from NATO entirely.
128 Articles
128 Articles
US President Donald Trump, who initially threatened Germany, is now warning Italy and Spain that he may pull out American troops, presenting it as punishment for their reluctance to join a war with Iran. Italy's defense minister says a possible withdrawal of US forces would be incomprehensible to him. The German chancellor, who criticized Trump for having no strategy on Iran, yesterday stressed the importance of alliance unity.
The US president also questions Italy's position in the Iran war.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is not "satisfied" with Spain or Italy because, in his opinion, both countries would be pleased to see Iran obtain a nuclear weapon."I'm not happy with Italy, and I'm not happy with Spain. They think it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Anyone who thinks it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon is not very smart," he said to the press in the White House. The U.S. president warned that if…
US President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office that the US will "probably" also reduce the number of American troops in Italy and Spain. His latest "announcement" comes after he surprised by saying that his government was considering reducing the number of troops in Germany.
Trump Threatens to Withdraw U.S. Troops From Italy and Spain as Europe Rift Widens
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer watch on during the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in the Egypt on Oct. 13, 2025. —Saul Loeb––Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump said “yeah, I probably will,” when asked whether he would consider pulling U.S. troops from Italy and Spain. “Why shouldn't I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible. Absolutely …
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