Trump threatens to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain
US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw American troops from Italy and Spain, criticizing both countries for not supporting US-led military operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Italy's defense minister rejected the accusations,强调ing its cooperation on maritime security, while Spain has previously denied the US use of its bases for attacks on Iran. The tensions follow broader disputes over military cooperation, base usage, and diplomatic criticism of Trump's foreign policy actions.
- ▪Donald Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain after criticizing their lack of support for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪Italy refused to allow US military aircraft carrying weapons to transit through the Sigonella base in Sicily due to procedural violations and treaty restrictions.
- ▪Spain has denied the US permission to use its jointly operated military bases for attacks on Iran and has been a vocal critic of Trump's war policy.
- ▪Italy’s defense minister Guido Crosetto stated that European ships did not cross the Strait of Hormuz as accused and offered naval protection missions appreciated by US military officials.
- ▪Trump previously threatened a full trade embargo on Spain and criticized Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her stance on the conflict and the Pope’s condemnation of the war.
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People in masks depicting Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and US President Donald Trump at a Labour day rally in Turin on 1 May. Photograph: Alessandro Di Marco/EPAView image in fullscreenPeople in masks depicting Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and US President Donald Trump at a Labour day rally in Turin on 1 May. Photograph: Alessandro Di Marco/EPAUS newsTrump threatens to withdraw troops from Italy and SpainUS president says European countries are ‘absolutely horrible’ to refuse to support operations in strait of Hormuz Europe live – latest updates Angela Giuffrida in Rome and Jon HenleyFri 1 May 2026 06.43 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 06.54 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDonald Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain a day after…
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