President Donald Trump on Thursday said "probably" when asked whether he would consider pulling U.S. troops out of Italy and Spain, a day after announcing that Washington was looking at reducing the number of military personnel in Germany amid a rift with NATO over his war against Iran.
Trump maintained that when the U.S. "needed them, they were not there," adding: "We have to remember that."
Trump has harshly criticized NATO allies for not sending their navies to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to global shipping following the start of a U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran on Feb. 28. He has also said that he is considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance.
An internal Pentagon email, reported by media last week, outlined options for the United States to punish NATO allies it believes failed to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran, including suspending Spain from the alliance.
Trump, who discussed the possibility of removing some U.S. troops from Europe earlier this month, on Wednesday said his administration was looking at cuts to U.S. forces in Germany and a decision would be made soon.
