The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as President Donald Trump also threatened to pull forces from Italy and Spain over their refusal to support operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The reduction in personnel deployed in Germany came after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran. A senior Pentagon official, speaking anonymously, described recent German rhetoric as “inappropriate and unhelpful”, adding that the president was “rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks”.
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 planned for deployment later this year will no longer go. Germany hosts about 35,000 active-duty US military personnel, making it the largest basing location in Europe.
Trump also threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain. Asked on Thursday whether he would consider such a move, he told reporters: “Probably … look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.” Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, rejected the accusations, stating that Italy had made itself available for a mission to protect shipping. Spain has denied the US permission to use jointly operated bases for attacks on Iran.
About 13,000 US troops are stationed in Italy and 3,800 in Spain. The US military has 68,000 active-duty personnel permanently assigned in Europe. Defence analysts and some Republicans have criticised the potential drawdown, warning it would cost billions and reduce Washington’s global military reach.
