The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as President Donald Trump also threatened Italy and Spain for failing to support operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said the US was being 'humiliated' by Iran.
A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described recent German rhetoric as 'inappropriate and unhelpful', adding that the president was 'rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks'. The withdrawal is expected to take six to 12 months, and includes the removal of a brigade combat team and the cancellation of a planned deployment of a long-range fires battalion.
Germany hosts the largest US military presence in Europe, with around 35,000 active-duty personnel. The drawdown comes amid widening tensions between Washington and Nato allies over the war in Iran. Trump has also threatened to pull troops from Italy and Spain, accusing them of not providing adequate support.
Italy's defence minister, Guido Crosetto, rejected the accusations, stating that Rome had offered to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Spain, which has denied the US use of its bases for attacks on Iran, has not yet responded officially. The US has about 13,000 troops in Italy and 3,800 in Spain.
The withdrawal has sparked criticism from defence analysts and some Republican lawmakers, who argue that a strong US military presence in Europe is vital for global operations. Representative Don Bacon warned that 'the continued attacks on Nato allies hurt Americans', noting that German airfields provide crucial access to three continents.
