US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany after chancellor criticized war with Iran
The US will withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next 6-12 months, leaving over 30,000 troops in the country. The decision follows criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the US war with Iran.
The Pentagon announced on Friday that the US will withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from Germany. The decision was made after a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the withdrawal is expected to be completed over the next 6-12 months. Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius downplayed the move, saying it was foreseeable and highlighted the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. The troop reduction comes after President Donald Trump clashed with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US war with Iran. As of December 2025, there were 36,436 active-duty US military personnel permanently stationed in Germany.
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