US pulls 5,000 troops from Germany in Trump-Merz feud
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- US will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, completing the pullout within six to twelve months.
- Trump blasted Merz on Truth Social, calling his handling of the Iran‑Hormuz crisis “terrible” and hinting at troop pulls from Italy and Spain.
- Merz warned that the United States has “no strategy” on Iran and said the nation is being “humiliated” by Tehran’s negotiations.
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the decision follows a “thorough review” of force posture and reflects “theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”
- Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz, halting Indian shipping and sparking market turmoil, adding pressure on U.S. allies.
Why it matters: Germany loses 5,000 US troops over the next 6‑12 months, weakening its NATO defense; the US cuts costs and signals a harder line on Iran, potentially emboldening Tehran.
