Hegseth’s sudden Poland troops U-turn ‘blindsided’ Pentagon staff

WorldPolitics
15 May 2026 • 6:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Hegseth’s sudden Poland troops U-turn ‘blindsided’ Pentagon staff

  • The Pentagon unexpectedly reversed a decision to send 4,000 US troops to Poland, reportedly blindsiding European allies and US officials.
  • This U-turn follows the recent withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, highlighting a widening rift between Donald Trump and Europe concerning the Iran war.
  • US officials expressed surprise, with one stating they "had no idea it was coming," despite the Pentagon claiming it was a "comprehensive, multilayered process."
  • An earlier leaked internal Pentagon email revealed options to penalise NATO allies not supporting US operations in the Iran war, such as suspending Spain and reviewing the UK's Falklands claim.
  • The move occurs as Donald Trump, who has praised Poland as a model ally, accelerates the withdrawal of US military support from Europe, shifting focus towards Asia.

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