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 not supporting operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz 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'. The withdrawal is expected to be completed over the next six to 12 months. A brigade combat team currently in Germany will be removed, and a long-range fires battalion that the Biden administration had planned to deploy later this year will no longer do so.
Germany hosts the US military's largest European base, with about 35,000 active-duty personnel, and serves as a key training hub. The withdrawal widens a rift between the US and Nato allies over the war in Iran. Trump also threatened to pull troops from Italy and Spain, accusing them of not providing help.
Italy's defence minister, Guido Crosetto, rejected Trump's accusations, noting that Italy had offered a mission to protect shipping. About 13,000 US personnel are stationed in Italy. Spain, which has denied the US use of joint bases for attacks on Iran, has not yet responded. Trump previously threatened a full trade embargo on Spain, where about 3,800 US personnel are stationed.
The US military has 68,000 active-duty personnel in Europe. Defence analysts and some Republicans warn that significant withdrawals could cost billions and reduce US global military reach. A recent defence bill limits the president's authority to reduce troop numbers below 76,000 for more than 45 days.
