US-Iran War Updates: The Trump administration is considering a plan to relocate U.S. troops out of NATO countries deemed “unhelpful” during the war with Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The proposal would move forces from member states that refused to support military operations—such as by denying airspace access or declining to join a naval coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—and station them in nations more cooperative with the U.S. military campaign.
The plan is one of several options intended to penalize NATO members for what the administration views as insufficient backing during the six-week conflict.
Which NATO Countries Refused to Support the War?
Several major NATO partners, notably France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have openly declined to participate in offensive operations or a naval coalition, emphasizing the fact that the conflict is not a NATO-led one. President Trump has publicly criticized these nations as “cowards” and described their lack of support as a “mark against NATO.”
Trump has also claimed that France denied U.S. military supply planes carrying equipment for Israel from using French airspace. The proposed troop relocation would specifically target member states that denied airspace access or refused to join the Hormuz naval coalition.
Is This an Alternative to Withdrawing From NATO?
Administration officials indicated the plan has gained support among senior officials in recent weeks but remains in its early stages. This troop shift is seen as a measure that falls short of fully withdrawing the U.S. from NATO—a move President Trump has recently threatened but cannot legally execute without congressional approval.
Trump has repeatedly called NATO a “paper tiger,” and, when asked earlier this month about withdrawing from the alliance, said: “Wouldn’t you if you were me?” The troop relocation plan offers a way to penalize allies without taking the legally complex step of full withdrawal.
What Is the Diplomatic Context of This Plan?
The report emerged as Trump prepared to host NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House to discuss the alliance’s future and the ongoing situation in Iran. The meeting comes at a “dangerous point for the transatlantic alliance,” according to former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.
Rutte, known in Europe as a “Trump whisperer,” has cultivated a warm relationship with Trump despite the tensions. He is expected to express a shared interest in restoring normal maritime trade and tout steps European countries are taking to increase defense spending.
How Has Trump Criticized NATO During the Iran War?
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Trump believes NATO was “tested, and they failed” during the Iran war. “It’s quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks when it’s the American people who have been funding their defense,” she said.
Trump has called for countries that depend on oil from the Gulf region to break Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, but European countries are unlikely to join mine-clearing or other missions as long as hostilities continue, according to two European diplomats.
What Would the Troop Relocation Look Like?
The proposal would move U.S. forces from member states that refused to support military operations and station them in nations more cooperative with the U.S. campaign. The WSJ did not specify which countries might receive additional troops or how many service members would be affected.
The plan remains in early stages, and administration officials indicated it is one of several options being considered to penalize allies viewed as unhelpful during the conflict.
FAQs: Trump’s Proposed Troop Relocation
Q: What is the Trump administration considering?
A: A plan to relocate U.S. troops out of NATO countries that refused to support the Iran war, including by denying airspace access or declining to join a Hormuz naval coalition.
Q: Which countries refused to support the war?
A: Germany, France, and the United Kingdom specifically declined to take part, stating that the war is not NATO-led.
Q: Is this the same as withdrawing from NATO?
A: No. This is seen as an alternative that falls short of full withdrawal, which Trump cannot legally execute without congressional approval.
Q: When did this report emerge?
A: The Wall Street Journal published the report on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, hours before Trump met with NATO Secretary-General Rutte.
Q: What has Trump called European allies?
A: He has publicly criticized them as “cowards” and described their lack of support as a “mark against NATO.”
Q: Is the plan finalized?
A: No. Administration officials said the plan has gained support but remains in its early stages.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
