US considers penalising NATO allies over Iran stance

The administration of Donald Trump is weighing plans to penalise NATO allies it views as unhelpful during the recent war with Iran by withdrawing or relocating US troops stationed on their territory, according to an administration official.

Under the proposal, American forces could be shifted away from countries that declined to support Washington’s military efforts and repositioned to those seen as more cooperative. It remains unclear how far the plan has progressed or which allies might ultimately be affected, the official told ABC News.

Asked whether the move would amount to retaliation against partners that resisted U.S. requests, a White House official pointed to earlier comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio questioned why the United States should continue to base troops in Europe if it faces restrictions on using jointly operated facilities.

Access to overseas bases across Europe has become a central issue in discussions between U.S. officials and NATO leadership, including Secretary General Mark Rutte during meetings in Washington on April 8.

Frustrations within the Trump administration have been directed at several allies, most notably Spain. The Spanish government condemned recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as violations of international law and denied permission for American forces to use joint bases at Rota and Morón in support of operations.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that broader discussions are underway about potentially withdrawing U.S. troops from certain NATO countries and even closing a military base in Europe, with sites in Spain or Germany under consideration.

By Sabina Mammadli