The security architecture of Southern Europe is currently facing intense scrutiny from the White House. Following a separate indication that the US was looking at reducing troop levels in Germany, the US president has now expanded his rhetoric to include Italy and Spain. This development reflects a broader tension regarding the obligations of European allies in supporting US-led military objectives in the Middle East.
“Probably … look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”
The threat arrives amid a broader pattern of tension. In Germany, the prospect of troop reductions followed comments from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated that the US was being humiliated
by Iran. This suggests a climate where public critiques of US foreign policy or perceived lack of support are followed by threats to reduce or remove long-standing military footprints.
The Hormuz shipping dispute
At the center of this friction is the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial commercial shipping corridor. The US administration has severely criticized NATO allies for failing to deploy their navies to help reopen the strait. This maritime security gap has become a primary point of contention, as the US president has characterized the lack of European naval participation as a failure of strategic cooperation.
Italian officials have pushed back against the narrative that they have been unhelpful. Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, stated he did not understand the motives behind the threat to withdraw troops and rejected claims that Rome had failed to assist the US in maritime security. Crosetto specifically addressed accusations that European-linked ships had crossed the strait of Hormuz, asserting that such events did not occur.
“As is clear to everyone, this never happened,” Crosetto told Ansa. “We have also made ourselves available for a mission to protect shipping. This was greatly appreciated by the American military.” Guido Crosetto, Italian Defense Minister
Despite these assertions, the US administration appears to view the European contribution as insufficient. The disagreement over the Strait of Hormuz involves a dispute over the roles and expectations for NATO allies in maintaining global shipping lanes during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
For more on this story, see Trump Slams Germany Over Iran Conflict and Threatens Troop Reduction.
Divergent paths in Rome and Madrid
While both countries face the threat of withdrawal, the friction in Madrid and Rome stems from different diplomatic choices. Spain has been the most outspoken EU critic of the war on Iran, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaking out against the conflict from its inception. This opposition has led to concrete restrictions; Spain has denied the US permission to use jointly operated military bases on its territory for attacks on Iran.
The tension with Spain extends beyond military basing. Last month, the US threatened to impose a full trade embargo on the country. At the end of 2025, approximately 3,800 active-duty US military personnel were stationed in Spain at two joint-use facilities: the Morón airbase and the Rota naval station. Sánchez has maintained that Spain’s position is one of absolute cooperation with allies
, provided it remains within the framework of international law
.
Italy, by contrast, attempted a balancing act that lasted until late March. That strategy collapsed when Rome refused to allow US planes carrying weapons for the war on Iran to use an airbase in Sicily. This refusal occurred alongside the current threats of troop withdrawals from the region.
Current reporting indicates a lack of immediate official response from the Spanish government following the latest threats. Similarly, while the Italian defense minister has spoken out, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not offered an immediate response to the US president’s comments.
This follows our earlier report, Trump’s threat to pull troops out of Germany crashes into reality – POLITICO.
Strategic stakes and logistical realities
The possibility of a significant drawdown remains an open question, as the logistical utility of these bases often outweighs diplomatic grievances. Since the end of the cold war, US bases in Europe have functioned as essential forward-staging sites and logistical hubs. These facilities have been critical for launching and supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the current conflict in Iran.
A withdrawal from Italy and Spain would affect the US military’s operational capabilities, as it would remove key forward-staging sites used to support missions in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The Rota naval station and the seven Italian naval bases provide the infrastructure necessary for sustained maritime operations that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.
Watch for whether these threats transition into formal orders for troop movements or remain as tools of diplomatic coercion. The critical indicator will be whether Italy and Spain adjust their policies regarding the use of their airbases and naval facilities for the war on Iran, or if the US administration is willing to sacrifice strategic logistics to punish diplomatic dissent.
