Iran War Triggers Major Rift, Allies Flock Away from the US

New tensions between the United States and its traditional allies are emerging amid the Iran war, which has yet to fully subside. President Donald Trump’s move to withdraw some troops from Germany, threats of military reductions in other European countries, and his stance perceived as dismissive of Iran’s attacks on Gulf partners have sparked concerns that Washington is becoming increasingly unpredictable in facing global crises.

Several analysts assess that the 10-week war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has not only shaken the global energy markets but also widened the rift in US relations with NATO, Gulf countries, and allies in Asia. Amid efforts towards a possible peace agreement with Tehran, many of Washington’s friendly nations are beginning to consider steps to reduce their strategic dependence on the US.

Quoting a Reuters analysis on Monday (11/5/2026), the situation arises as Trump continues to shift his foreign policy approach since returning to the White House, including towards the Iran war, which observers say has shaken the rules-based global order and increased uncertainty among America’s long-time allies.

Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 out of the total 36,400 US troops stationed in Germany has become one of the latest triggers of tension with Europe. The move was announced after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz angered Trump by openly stating that Iran had humiliated the United States.

Shortly after, the Pentagon also cancelled plans to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany. Trump even stated that he is considering reducing US troops in Italy and Spain, two countries said to differ in views with him regarding the Iran war.

Trump has long questioned the relevance of NATO, the alliance formed by the US after World War II. On several occasions, he has also hinted at the possibility that Washington would no longer be fully bound by NATO’s Article 5 on collective defence if allies are deemed insufficient in aiding the US during the war.

“President Trump has made his disappointment with NATO and other allies clear,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.

She noted that several European governments rejected requests to use their military bases for Iran war operations. However, Kelly still affirmed that Trump has “restored America’s position on the world stage and strengthened foreign relations.”

Nevertheless, she added that Trump “will never allow the United States to be treated unfairly and exploited by what he calls ‘allies.’”

The rift with allies actually emerged even before the Iran war broke out. Trump first triggered unease through large-scale tariff policies, pushes to take over Greenland from Denmark, and the halt of military aid to Ukraine.

Relations with the UK also heated up when Trump attacked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in March, calling him “no Winston Churchill” and threatening large tariffs on UK imports.

Even the Pentagon is said to have proposed punishments against NATO allies deemed unsupportive of US operations against Iran, including options to suspend Spain’s membership and review Washington’s recognition of the UK’s claims to the Falkland Islands.

Analysts say the Iran war has worsened long-simmering tensions between Trump and America’s traditional allies.

“Trump’s recklessness regarding Iran has resulted in some dramatic changes,” said Brett Bruen, a former advisor to the Barack Obama administration who now leads the strategic consultancy Situation Room.

“US credibility is at stake,” he continued.

Tensions with Europe sharpened further after the US joined Israel in attacking Iran on 28 February. Trump claimed without evidence that Tehran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route previously carrying one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

The closure of the strait triggered global energy shocks and made European countries one of the parties most economically impacted by the war they did not desire.

In the midst of this situation, European countries are beginning to increase defence cooperation among themselves, strengthen regional arms industries, and reduce dependence on US protection.

A European diplomat described Trump’s threats as a clear signal that Europe must become more independent in maintaining regional security.

However, analysts assess that the process towards European strategic independence will not be easy because they still heavily rely on the US defence umbrella to face potential threats from Russia.

Jeff Rathke, President of the American-German Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said Chancellor Merz is now more open in criticising Washington’s moves.

According to him, Merz “is not trying to hide his critical assessment of the situation that America has faced.”

Tensions have also spilled over to the Gulf region. When Iran launched missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, a close US ally, Trump was seen as not providing a firm response.

Trump even described the attack last week as a minor incident, although it sparked a fire at the Fujairah oil port and led the UAE government to close schools.

Trump’s stance has triggered new concerns in Gulf countries that were already heavily impacted by the war and energy crisis.

Several Gulf Arab countries are said to be worried that Trump will ultimately reach an agreement with Iran that still leaves regional security threats lingering.

The war’s impact is also felt in Asia, particularly in countries highly dependent on energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, such as Japan and South Korea.

Those countries were previously already shaken by Trump’s high tariffs and…