Washington, May 9 (SANA) Recent developments in relations between the United States and its European allies have highlighted growing divisions between the two sides, extending beyond the repercussions of the US-Israeli war against Iran and raising questions about the future of the international order.
With US President Donald Trump deciding to withdraw part of American forces from Germany and signaling possible reductions in other European countries, concerns have grown that these steps could leave a lasting impact on ties among key allies.
According to Reuters, Trump’s positions and statements have triggered widespread concern among Washington’s partners globally, not only in Europe, as doubts increase over the United States’ ability to maintain its role as a guarantor of stability during crises. Tensions have further intensified following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February, which led to major disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and unprecedented shocks in global energy markets.
Trump recently announced the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany out of a total of 36,400, while the Pentagon canceled plans to deploy Tomahawk missiles there, alongside threats to reduce troop presence in Italy and Spain amid disagreements over the Middle East conflict.
These developments have prompted some allies to explore strategic alternatives and reduce reliance on the United States as a security partner. Despite decades of stable transatlantic alignment, Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025 has marked a turning point, with increasing signs of divergence and rising European doubts about the durability of the partnership.