The Donald Trump administration is considering a partial withdrawal of U.S. troops from NATO countries that did not support the United States and Israel during the war with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on April 8.
Under the approach now under review, some forces could be redeployed to countries that played a more active role in Washington’s military campaign.
The newspaper says the initiative is one of several scenarios being discussed at the White House in response to the refusal of some European allies to back the operation against Iran. At the same time, it does not amount to carrying out earlier threats of a full U.S. withdrawal from NATO.
The Journal also reports that the idea has won support from several senior administration officials, though it remains at an early stage of consideration.
According to two officials familiar with the discussions, the options under consideration go beyond troop redeployment and include the possible closure of at least one U.S. base in Europe—with Spain and Germany mentioned among the likely candidates.
The White House declined to comment.