Pentagon pulls 5,000 troops from Germany after Merz says US ‘humiliated’ by Iran
The Pentagon confirmed Friday it will redeploy five thousand US soldiers stationed in Germany, in what officials privately described as a punishment for Berlin's criticism of Washington DC's Iran war strategy.Pentagon Confirms Germany Troop Withdrawal Over Six to Twelve MonthsThe United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, reducing its military presence in the country to levels last seen before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.The decision follows pointed public criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who this week accused Washington DC of having no coherent strategy in Iran War and said the United States had been "humiliated" by Tehran, New York Times and Guardian quoted.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the drawdown in an official statement, saying it "follows a thorough review of the department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground." The withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.What Triggered the US Decision to Pull Troops from GermanyThe immediate trigger was a public broadside from Merz earlier this week. Speaking about the ongoing US military campaign against Iran, the chancellor said Tehran had "humiliated" the United States and questioned Washington's endgame."The Americans obviously have no strategy," Merz said.President Donald Trump responded sharply on his Truth Social platform, writing on Thursday: "The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time."He followed up with a further post directed at Merz: "The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place!"A senior Pentagon official, told New York Times confirmed that Germany's refusal to contribute to the Iran war effort had angered Washington and that the country's recent public statements had been "inappropriate and unhelpful.""The president is rightly reacting to these counterproductive remarks," the official said.Which US Units Are Being Withdrawn from GermanyThe drawdown involves a brigade combat team currently stationed in Germany, which will be pulled out entirely. Additionally, a long-range fires battalion equipped with missiles that the Biden administration had planned to begin deploying to Germany later this year will no longer be sent. The net effect returns the US troop presence in Europe to the numbers in place before Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the Pentagon had already redeployed a brigade from Romania without sending a replacement.Germany Remains the Second Largest US Military Host in the WorldDespite the reduction, Germany would continue to host more than 30,000 active-duty US personnel, making it the second largest host country for American troops globally, behind only Japan. The country serves as a critical logistical and medical hub for US military operations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.Germany houses the US military's Africa Command and European Command headquarters, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center at Ramstein Air Base has treated many troops wounded in the Iran war. Pentagon officials confirmed the drawdown will not affect Landstuhl or other medical facilities.Trump Also Threatens Italy and Spain Over Iran War SupportThe announcement regarding Germany came alongside threats from Trump directed at Italy and Spain, both of whom have declined to fully support US operations in Iran and the effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Asked Thursday whether he would consider pulling US troops from Italy and Spain, Trump told reporters: "Probably …
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