Washington to drag some 5,000 US troops from Germany as rift over Iran battle widens | EUROtoday
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NATO mentioned on Saturday it was working with the United States to know Washington’s determination to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany as a rift in transatlantic ties deepens over the US-Israeli battle in opposition to Iran.
The Pentagon’s announcement of the troop withdrawal follows a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who mentioned on Monday Iran was “humiliating” Washington on the negotiating desk. Trump fired again by saying that Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about”.
It additionally got here as Trump introduced that tariffs on vehicles and vans from the European Union will enhance to 25 p.c subsequent week over accusations that the bloc didn’t adjust to a commerce deal signed final summer time.
US troop withdrawal from Germany could be ‘silly’, professional says
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Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell mentioned on Friday the withdrawal of round 5,000 troops from Germany was anticipated “to be completed over the next six to twelve months”.
“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theatre requirements and conditions on the ground,” Parnell mentioned in an announcement.
There have been 36,436 active-duty US troops in NATO ally Germany as of December 31, 2025, in comparison with 12,662 in Italy and three,814 in Spain.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius mentioned on Saturday the US troop withdrawal “from Europe and also from Germany was to be expected”.
NATO mentioned it was “working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany”.
“This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart wrote on social media platform X.
‘Why should not I?’
Trump has made plenty of threats to slash US troop numbers in Germany and different European allies throughout each his phrases in workplace, saying he needs Europe to tackle better duty for its defence quite than relying on Washington.
He now seems decided to punish allies who’ve didn’t again the Middle East battle or contribute to a peacekeeping power within the essential Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Tehran’s forces have successfully closed.
Trump additionally accused German automakers akin to Mercedes-Benz and BMW of ripping off Americans, saying on Friday that Germany and “other European nations have not adhered to our trade deal”.
He didn’t present any additional particulars or proof to assist his declare.
Germany would probably be hit laborious by a pointy car tariff as a result of it’s liable for a good portion of EU auto exports.
Trump mentioned on Thursday he would possibly pull US troops from Italy and Spain because of their opposition to the battle. “Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” he advised reporters within the Oval Office.
“Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?” Trump mentioned.
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul mentioned on Thursday throughout a go to to Morocco that Germany was “prepared” for a discount in US troops and was “discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies”.
However, Wadephul mentioned massive American bases in Germany are “not up for discussion at all” and cited the instance of Ramstein Air Base, which he mentioned has “an irreplaceable function for the United States and for us alike”.
The EU mentioned on Thursday the deployment of US troops in Europe was in Washington’s curiosity, and that the US was “a vital partner in contributing to Europe’s security and defence”.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose nation is searching for assurances of continued US assist on NATO’s japanese flank because the Russia-Ukraine battle grinds on, expressed concern in regards to the newest setback to the alliance.
“The greatest threat to the transatlantic community are not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance. We must all do what it takes to reverse this disastrous trend,” Tusk wrote on X on Saturday.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260501-washington-will-pull-some-5-000-us-troops-from-germany-as-rift-over-iran-war-widens