Italy responds to Trump's pressure and troop exit threat
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Italy has responded to accusations by US President Donald Trump regarding a lack of US support, particularly regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Guardian.
Commenting on Trump’s claims that Italy was unwilling to support the US war against Iran, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasizes that such accusations are untrue.
"We also made ourselves available for a mission to protect shipping. This was greatly appreciated by the American military," he adds.
According to La Repubblica, there are seven U.S. bases in Italy, housing up to 15,000 military personnel. In particular, U.S. forces provide Italy with air defense systems that would take a decade to replace.
US-NATO tensions
Trump initially threatened to reduce the US military presence in Germany amid a dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran.
As early as April 30, the White House chief stated that he might consider similar steps regarding Italy and Spain, which had criticized US actions in the Middle East.
"Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible," Trump says.
The Trump administration has developed a sort of ranking of NATO allies and is already looking for ways to punish those who refused to support the war with Iran.
