The United States will withdraw 5,000 troops from Nato ally Germany, the Pentagon said on Friday, highlighting a deepening rift between US President Donald Trump and European allies over the Iran war.
The move follows growing tensions with European leaders, particularly German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose remarks that the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran in negotiations drew a sharp response from Washington.
A senior Pentagon official said the decision was partly driven by frustration over Europe’s lack of support for US operations. “Failure to provide support” from allies and their rhetoric had angered the administration, the official said, describing recent comments as “inappropriate and unhelpful.”
Trump has repeatedly accused European partners of benefiting from US military action without contributing adequately, particularly in efforts to secure key shipping routes during the conflict. He has also criticised Nato allies for not deploying naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.
The tensions extend beyond Germany. Trump has clashed with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spain’s leadership over their reluctance to support operations against Iran, including denying access to bases and airspace.
The Pentagon said the withdrawal would be completed over the next six to 12 months, reducing US troop levels in Europe to near pre-2022 levels. Germany currently hosts around 35,000 American troops, the largest US military presence on the continent.
Analysts warn the move could further strain transatlantic ties, as Washington pushes Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense while disagreements over the Iran war continue to widen.
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