According to the plan, troops from certain countries could be moved to states that have shown greater support for the American military campaign. At the same time, the proposal does not imply a complete withdrawal of the United States from the Alliance – such a decision, by law, requires the approval of Congress.
Currently, about 84 thousand American troops are deployed throughout Europe. US bases not only serve as strategic hubs for global operations, but are also economically beneficial for the countries in which they are located, particularly in Eastern Europe, where they also deter the aggressor country Russia.
The authors of the material suggest that the United States may withdraw its troops from Spain, Germany, Italy and France, since Madrid banned the use of the country's airspace by US aircraft during operations against Iran, Berlin criticized the war, Rome temporarily banned the US from using a base in Sicily, and Paris allowed the use of one of its bases only for aircraft not involved in strikes.
Instead, American troops could be moved to Poland, Romania, Lithuania and Greece. These states have high levels of defense spending and have previously signaled support for an international coalition to monitor the Strait of Hormuz.
The plan is in the early stages of development, sources said.
Context
Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies and called the Alliance itself a “paper tiger.” According to him, tension between the United States and NATO began with Greenland: Trump sought get control over Greenland, which, according to him, China and the aggressor country of the Russian Federation want to seize. At the same time, a number of European countries sent their military to the island and were allegedly ready to resist America’s plans.
Against the backdrop of a lack of support regarding Greenland and operations against Iran, Washington announced the likelihood of the United States of America leaving NATO.
