Politico: Trump’s focus shifts to Iran as Ukraine recedes from agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump has largely shifted his attention away from the war in Ukraine as the ongoing conflict involving Iran dominates his foreign policy focus, according to a report by Politico.

The report says that nearly two months into the Iran war, Ukraine has become a secondary issue inside the White House, while European allies are increasingly acting on the assumption that Washington’s long-term commitment is uncertain.

Trump’s strained relationship with NATO allies is also reportedly accelerating European efforts to reduce dependence on the United States. According to Politico, the president has recently criticised European leaders, including Germany’s chancellor, and raised the possibility of adjusting the U.S. military presence in Europe.

On April 29, Trump publicly criticised Germany’s leadership on social media, shocked Pentagon officials by suggesting a potential reduction of U.S. troop deployments in parts of Europe, and held a lengthy call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both sides reportedly agreed to a short ceasefire without involving Ukraine.

The same day, sources within the U.S. administration told Politico that Ukraine was “barely being discussed” in White House meetings, with attention instead focused on Iran-related negotiations.

The report also states that on May 1, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth ordered plans for the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over a 6–12 month period.

European officials, meanwhile, are reportedly reassessing their security posture in light of what they see as Washington’s shifting priorities. At the same time, Ukraine is said to be gaining confidence due to its evolving military capabilities, which Kyiv believes are strengthening its position among Western partners.

By Sabina Mammadli