The US will cut troops in Europe but strengthen NATO's eastern flank.
Washington plans to withdraw about 5,000 service personnel from Europe instead of the 25,000 previously discussed. The current US representation on the continent is about 80,000 people.
According to Bloomberg, the reduction will mainly affect Germany, while NATO's military presence on the eastern flank should be strengthened. One of the reasons for revising the plans was the increase in defense spending by the European allies, which Washington assessed positively.
In addition, the Pentagon recognized the strategic importance of European military bases and allied airspace for operations against Iran. Pentagon chief Pete Hessett must present final recommendations to Donald Trump by December 1.