US President Donald Trump has said that the future of US troops in Europe will depend on negotiations over Greenland and developments in the war with Iran.
Trump says has not made a final decision on a potential pullout of American troops in Europe in comments made to reporters on board Air Force One on his way back from this week’s NATO summit in Turkey.
“I haven’t made that final determination. A lot’s going to depend on Greenland… A lot’s dependent on Iran,” Trump said, adding that he might pull US troops from Europe if a deal regarding the island is not reached.
During the two-day NATO summit in Ankara, the US leader revived calls for Greenland, which is semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, to come under US control.
Earlier this year, Trump repeatedly threatened to annex Greenland, citing its important strategic position for security and mineral wealth, which prompted concern among NATO allies and Denmark to vow to defend the territory.
The US leader has also often expressed his frustration over the reluctance of NATO allies to get involved in the Middle East conflict, which started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
Europe’s defense which relies on US protection guarantees, has received mixed signals in recent months from the Trump administration over its military posture, casting doubt on the reliability of Washington as a security partner.
In May, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, and then Washington caused dismay in Warsaw when it said that it was halting the planned deployment of around 4,000 troops to Poland.
However, in an apparent U-turn, Trump subsequently announced that an “additional” 5,000 American military personnel would be sent to Poland, though it was unclear whether these would replace or supplement the previously planned contingent of troops.
Despite tensions between NATO allies, Trump said on Wednesday that there was “a lot of unity” within the military alliance. A joint statement from member states reiterated their “ironclad commitment” to mutual defense.
