A separate dispute over flight approvals during the Iran operation has put the practical terms of America’s European deployments under scrutiny.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Whitaker denied reports that Washington intends to significantly reduce its military presence in Europe. He said a plan to review U.S. forces has not yet been presented or finalized.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
These reports are false, and this plan has not yet been presented. The plan itself has not even been finalized.
– Whitaker at the Defense and Space Summit in Brussels
Whitaker said the United States reaffirmed its commitment to the nuclear defense of its NATO allies and would continue to maintain troops in Europe. Washington is assessing not only troop numbers but also the terms of their presence, including access to facilities, unit deployments and the use of airspace.
The ambassador said the United States was discussing with its allies how to support American troops in the countries where they are stationed. A review of the global positioning of U.S. forces, he explained, must take into account the interests of the United States and its taxpayers, as well as the country’s ability to respond to challenges in different regions.
Whitaker also acknowledged that the United States had faced difficulties using its bases in some NATO countries during the operation against Iran. He criticized lengthy flight clearance procedures, saying they hindered a rapid response. According to him, the terms of the U.S. military presence remain part of a broader review of where American forces are stationed.
Whitaker Denies U.S. Plans to Significantly Reduce Troops in Europe