The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, deepening tensions between Washington and Berlin over the US-led war against Iran. The Pentagon announced the move on Friday, May 1, saying the withdrawal would be completed over the next six to 12 months after a review of US force posture in Europe.
The decision follows criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Iran was humiliating the US during negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. President Donald Trump has accused European allies of failing to support the US-Israel war effort and suggested further troop reductions could follow.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin had anticipated a US drawdown and argued Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. NATO is also seeking more details on the decision, while some US lawmakers have warned it could weaken deterrence in Europe.
