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Related: Pete Hegseth Senate hearing interrupted by anti-Iran war protester

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,…