Published: 12:18 AM, 03 May 2026
Troops withdrawal from Germany punishment: Pentagon
US troops in Germany earlier this year. -Getty Images
US military officials have privately made it clear that the decision to withdraw part of the US military from Germany is a punishment for Berlin's position on Iran, The New York Times quoted sources as saying.
According to them, Germany's unwillingness to help the United States in the military operation against Iran has displeased Washington. Although the Pentagon had previously considered reducing its military presence in Germany, this step was nevertheless justified by the desire to punish Germany for criticizing the United States, American military officials acknowledged.
Earlier, the Pentagon said it will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6-12 months.
US President Donald Trump said earlier the US was considering reducing its military contingent stationed in Germany, Italy and Spain. The American leader did not explain the reason behind the Germany step, but the statement came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Washington's military campaign against Iran, pointing out the lack of a clear strategy. On Tuesday, Trump accused Merz of allegedly "considering Iran's possession of nuclear weapons acceptable."
Nato is seeking to "understand the details" of a US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a redeployment ordered by Donald Trump amid a feud with the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz.
The German government sought to play down the severity of Trump's move, describing it as "anticipated", and a reminder of Europe's need to invest in its own defence. The US withdrawal, which the Pentagon said would take place over the next six to 12 months, comes after criticism from Merz over Trump's war with Iran and his handling of subsequent talks with Tehran.
The chancellor said on Monday the US was being "humiliated" by Iran's leaders. Trump quickly responded, saying Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about", and soon after raised the possibility of troop withdrawals.
The Nato spokesperson, Allison Hart, said on Saturday that the alliance was "working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany".
>>Agency
