WSJ: Trump plans to punish some NATO countries over insufficient support for operation in Iran
US President Donald Trump is considering a plan to punish certain NATO member states that, in his view, did not provide sufficient support for the operation against Iran.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, citing US administration officials
Details: According to the sources, the plan could involve withdrawing US troops from such countries and redeploying them to nations that offered significant support for the US campaign in Iran.
For example, Washington could close some military bases in Spain or Germany.
This approach differs from Trump's recent threats to fully withdraw the US from NATO, which he cannot legally do without congressional approval, the WSJ notes.
The plan is currently at an early stage of discussion and is one of several scenarios being considered by the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, it highlights a growing divide between Washington and its European partners following the US decision to launch military action in Iran. According to the WSJ, the initiative has already gained support among key officials in the Trump administration.
Background:
- Trump is expected to express his disappointment with NATO during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, particularly over allies distancing themselves from the war against Iran, and may raise the possibility of leaving the alliance.
- Earlier, Trump told The Telegraph that he is seriously considering withdrawing the US from NATO.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that after the conflict in Iran ends, the US will review its need for NATO membership.
- Trump has also said that his dissatisfaction with NATO deepened after allies failed to support his idea of annexing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
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