The United States will withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany, following comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on war with Iran

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Americans had “apparently no strategy” in Iran and Tehran was “humiliating” the world’s top power.

The Pentagon announced on Friday, May 1, the withdrawal of about 5,000 US soldiers from Germany, following Donald Trump’s frustration with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the situation in Iran. This disengagement represents approximately 15% of the 36,000 American soldiers stationed in Germany. “We expect the withdrawal to be completed within the next six to twelve months,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense.

Donald Trump had earlier in the week hinted at a reduction of American armed forces stationed in Germany, an ally and NATO member, in response to Friedrich Merz’s comments. The German leader had stated on Monday that “Americans evidently have no strategy” in Iran and Tehran is “humiliating” Washington. “He thinks it’s okay for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” retorted Donald Trump on Tuesday. Without a direct response, Friedrich Merz called on Thursday for “a reliable transatlantic partnership.”

“The withdrawal of US troops from Europe and also from Germany was expected,” reacted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement provided to AFP by his ministry. NATO is “working” with the United States to “better understand” Washington’s decision, a spokesperson for the alliance said on Saturday.

In addition to Germany, Donald Trump also stated on Thursday that he is considering a reduction of American forces in Italy and Spain, against the backdrop of the conflict in Iran. “Italy has not been of any help and Spain has been odious, absolutely odious,” said the president, who accuses his European allies of lacking support in the Middle East conflict. As of the end of 2025, Italy had 12,662 active-duty American soldiers, while Spain had 3,814, according to official figures.

On Friday, Donald Trump also indirectly criticized Germany and its significant automobile exports, by announcing a plan to raise tariffs by 25% on vehicles imported to the US from the European Union. He accuses the EU of not honoring a trade agreement reached in the summer of 2025, even though the validation process of this agreement has not been completed within the bloc of 27.