The United States will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months, the Pentagon announced, as tensions between the Trump administration and European allies intensify over the Iran war. The move will reduce U.S. force levels in Europe to roughly pre-2022 levels and follows public disagreements between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- The Pentagon confirmed approximately 5,000 troops will be withdrawn, including an Army brigade combat team.
- The drawdown is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
- Plans to deploy a long-range fires battalion to Germany have been canceled.
- The decision follows criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over U.S. strategy in the Iran conflict.
- Germany hosts roughly 35,000 U.S. troops and serves as a key military hub for operations in Europe and the Middle East.
- The withdrawal would return U.S. troop levels in Europe to those seen before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The Pentagon has signaled a longer-term goal of shifting more defense responsibility to European allies.
- Officials indicated forces may be reallocated to other regions, including the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere.
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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
