US Considers Withdrawing Troops from NATO Countries over Iran

Washington - The United States is considering withdrawing troops from several NATO member countries deemed unsupportive of Washington and Israel’s military operations against Iran. A report in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, citing officials from President Donald Trump’s administration, stated that the plan includes relocating troops to other NATO members that support the military operations against Iran. Previously, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump is likely to discuss the issue of withdrawing US troops from NATO during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The plan has been circulating in recent weeks and has garnered support from several senior administration officials. Additionally, the step is described as one of several options being considered as a form of “punishment” for the alliance’s refusal to aid US and Israeli military operations. In March, Trump criticised NATO for not supporting his military campaign against Iran, calling it a “major mistake” and deeming the alliance an unbalanced relationship. He also stated that military operations against Iran represent a test of NATO’s support for the US, and reaffirmed Washington’s disappointment with the alliance’s stance. Trump added that assistance from NATO is no longer needed by the United States.