NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that European leaders have “gotten the message” from U.S. President Donald Trump after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. [1, 2]
Rutte said there had been “some disappointment from the U.S. side” over Europe’s reaction to the war on Iran, including reluctance to support the U.S. campaign and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He added that European leaders had heard the warning “loud and clear.” [1, 2]
The Pentagon announced the withdrawal plans on Friday, after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Washington’s handling of the Iran war. [1, 2]
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the timing of the U.S. troop announcement was a “surprise” and said Europe needed to strengthen its role in NATO. “I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more,” she said. [1]
Spain separately refused to let the U.S. launch attacks on Iran from its airspace or bases and condemned the war as “unjustified” and “a dangerous military intervention.” Trump called Spain “terrible” and threatened to end all trade ties after the refusal. [1]
Trump also vowed to raise tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25%, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with a U.S. trade agreement. [3]
Nearly 50 European leaders met in Armenia on Tuesday to discuss continental issues as tensions with Trump rose over defence and trade. [3]
