WSJ: US weighs ways to punish NATO countries over reluctance in Iran war

The White House is considering a plan to punish certain NATO members that, according to President Donald Trump, did not assist the U.S. and Israel during the war in Iran, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources within the administration.

One proposal involves withdrawing U.S. troops from NATO countries deemed unhelpful in the military effort against Iran and redeploying them to countries providing stronger support to the U.S.

This option is seen as far less drastic than Trump’s recent threats to completely withdraw the United States from the Alliance—a step he cannot legally take without Congress’s approval.

The plan, which has gained backing among senior administration officials in recent weeks, is still in early development and is one of several proposals aimed at penalising allies.

In addition to troop redeployments, the plan could include closing at least one U.S. base in Europe, potentially in Spain or Germany, according to two administration officials.

Officials say countries likely to benefit—through increased U.S. troop presence—include Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Greece, which are viewed as allies supporting the U.S. in the Iran conflict. This plan could result in a larger U.S. military presence closer to the Russian border, likely drawing objections from Moscow.

The U.S. currently has approximately 84,000 troops stationed in Europe. American bases on the continent serve as key hubs for Washington’s global military operations and provide economic benefits to host nations through investment.

By Vugar Khalilov