US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 US troops from Germany within the next year, following a growing dispute between President Donald Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran.
- Approximately 5,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months.
- President Trump has threatened similar troop reductions in Italy and Spain.
- The cost of 60 days of conflict with Iran is estimated at less than €21 billion.
Diplomatic Rift Over US Troops Withdrawal from Germany
The announcement follows threats from President Trump to remove troops from the NATO ally after Chancellor Merz stated on Monday that Iran was “humiliating” the US at the negotiating table.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the decision follows a thorough review of force posture in Europe, citing “theatre requirements and conditions on the ground.”
President Trump criticized Merz, claiming the Chancellor believes it is “OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon” and urged him to focus on ending the Ukraine war rather than “interfering” on Iran.
Threats to Other European Allies
The US President has indicated he may also pull troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war. Trump described Spain’s cooperation as “absolutely horrible” and claimed Italy has not been helpful.
As of December 31, 2025, the US maintained 12,662 active-duty troops in Italy, 3,814 in Spain, and 36,436 in Germany.
The administration appears determined to penalize allies who have not supported the war or contributed to a peacekeeping force in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway effectively closed by Tehran’s forces.
European and German Response
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany is “prepared” for the reduction and is discussing the matter within NATO bodies. While Wadephul described himself as “relaxed” about the troop reduction, he emphasized that large American bases, such as Ramstein Air Base, are “not up for discussion at all.”
The European Union stated that the presence of US troops in Europe is in Washington’s own interest, calling the United States a “vital partner” for European security and defense.
Within Germany, Chancellor Merz has prioritized national security with unprecedented investments in the military and reaffirmed support for Ukraine. However, his domestic popularity has declined, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) recently emerging as the most popular party in the country.
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