US weighs cutting a third of troops in Europe amid NATO tensions

The Pentagon is considering reducing US forces in Europe—potentially about one-third of roughly 68,000 troops—due to European allies denying access to bases for actions against Iran, with other options including moving 40,000 troops and relocating assets to the eastern NATO flank; the final decision by November 6 could reshape NATO deterrence, though European militaries are expanding and the impact would depend on which bases and lines are affected.