President Trump is considering a plan to move American troops from NATO countries he considers 'useless' in the crisis with Iran, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal.
The proposal, still in the early stages, is one of the various options under consideration at the White House to pressure allies that have offered limited support for U.S.-led operations.
Division within NATO over Iran widens
The plan would relocate a portion of the 84,000 American soldiers currently stationed in Europe. Trump and his team have expressed frustration with allies who denied the United States logistical aid, access to airspace, or the use of military bases during attacks against Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration will need to reassess NATO's value.
Trump himself has called some allies 'cowardly' and labeled the alliance as a 'paper tiger'.
Countries deemed collaborative, including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece, may receive additional troops. These nations have aligned more closely with Washington's priorities on the eastern flank.
Commercial threats already in place
Trump has threatened to cut off all trade relations with Spain after the country refused to allow the use of its military bases for attacks on Iran.
He ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to suspend all relations with Madrid.
Meanwhile, Trump has announced the immediate imposition of a 50% tariff on goods from any country that provides arms to Iran, with no exclusions or exceptions.
Russia and China are the most important arms suppliers to Iran.
No formal package of tariffs specifically aimed at NATO members deemed 'useless' has been announced yet.
However, what happened with Spain and Trump's tendency to mix military pressure with economic pressure suggest that commercial measures may also follow.
'The proposal would involve moving American troops from the 'useless' countries to those 'more collaborative' in the War against Iran 2. The plan is still in its early stages and represents one of the various options that the White House is considering to punish NATO,' detailed the Kobeissi Letter citing the WSJ.
Whether tariffs will become the tool of pressure for reluctant allies will likely depend on NATO's reaction as ceasefire negotiations with Iran continue.