The Pentagon announced last week that around 5,000 troops would be withdrawn, but Trump said on Saturday the reductions would go “a lot further,” without providing details or a timeline. The decision comes amid tensions between Washington and European capitals over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and what U.S. officials see as limited European involvement.

Speaking at a summit in Yerevan, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move should not be overstated but underscored expectations that Europe take on greater responsibility for its own security. He added that any adjustments should be managed within the framework of NATO.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said discussions about reducing U.S. troop presence in Europe were not new, but the timing of the announcement was unexpected. She said the development highlighted the need to strengthen the European pillar within NATO.

NATO officials said they were seeking further clarification from Washington. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said discussions were ongoing to understand the implications for U.S. force posture in Germany.NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte played down the decision, linking it to broader U.S. dissatisfaction with European responses to the Iran conflict.

He said European allies had taken note of U.S. concerns and were working to implement existing basing agreements and position key military assets closer to potential operational theaters.The troop reduction follows earlier signals from Washington that a drawdown in Europe was likely. Some U.S. forces had already been withdrawn from Romania in October, although U.S. officials had previously indicated such changes would be coordinated with allies to avoid creating security gaps.

Tensions have also emerged over operational support for U.S. actions in the Middle East. Countries including Spain, France and the United Kingdom have declined to grant full access to bases or airspace for operations linked to the Iran conflict, reflecting divisions within the alliance over the scope of involvement.

European governments have signaled they are stepping up preparations, including positioning military resources closer to strategic regions, though officials have provided limited detail. Leaders have also indicated reluctance to engage in securing key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz until the conflict subsides.