The Pentagon announced on Friday, May 1, that the United States will withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year. This decision follows public friction between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the ongoing US conflict with Iran. Despite the reduction, over 30,000 US personnel will remain stationed in the country.

“The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, noting that the move follows a review of theater requirements and is expected to be finalized within six to twelve months.

The withdrawal was foreshadowed earlier this week after Chancellor Merz criticized the US strategy in the Middle East. During a school visit on Monday, Merz claimed the US was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership and described the military engagement as “ill-considered.” Trump responded by stating Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” before announcing a review of the US force posture in Germany.

Tensions have escalated as several European allies, including Italy and Spain, have expressed reservations about the war with Iran. Trump has recently suggested that troop levels in those countries could also be subject to cuts, remarking that they "haven’t been exactly on board."

While Germany has allowed the use of its infrastructure, such as Ramstein Air Base, for medical and logistical support, it has restricted the use of its territory for direct offensive strikes.

Merz has offered further assistance only once the conflict enters a post-war stabilization phase, a stance that has seemingly failed to satisfy the Trump administration.