By Sabiu Abdullahi
The United States has announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, a key Nato ally, as tensions deepen between Washington and European leaders over the ongoing war with Iran.
The Pentagon confirmed the decision on Friday. The move follows a dispute between former President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The disagreement centres on comments made by the German leader about the conflict.
A senior Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticised Germany’s recent statements. The official said they had been “inappropriate and unhelpful”.
“The president is rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks,” the official said.
Germany remains the largest base for US military operations in Europe. More than 35,000 American troops are currently stationed in the country. The location serves as a major hub for training and logistics.
Earlier in the week, Mr Trump warned that he could reduce troop levels after exchanging words with Mr Merz. The German chancellor had said Iran was embarrassing the United States during negotiations aimed at ending the war.
“An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result.”
Mr Merz also questioned Washington’s approach to the war. He said he could not identify a clear exit strategy. His remarks highlighted growing divisions between the US and its European allies. The disagreements also extend to issues such as Ukraine and trade policies.
In response, Mr Trump criticised the German leader in a post on Truth Social. He wrote:
“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place!”
The Pentagon said the troop withdrawal would take place over six to twelve months. Officials expect the move to return US troop levels in Europe to what they were before 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As part of the plan, a brigade combat team will leave Germany. A long-range fires battalion that had been scheduled for deployment will no longer be sent.
The decision comes as the US increases pressure on its allies over the Iran conflict. Washington has urged Nato members to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since late February. The disruption has affected global energy supplies.
In a related move, Mr Trump also announced plans to raise tariffs on vehicles imported from the European Union to 25 per cent starting next week. The policy is expected to have a significant impact on Germany’s auto industry.
