The German chancellor asserted on Monday that Americans had “evidently no strategy” in Iran, and that Tehran was “humiliating” the world’s first power.
Published on May 2, 2026 at 8:21, updated on May 2, 2026 at 12:42.
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/2026/05/02/69f59269f3b30949053241.jpg "The United States will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany after comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on war with Iran")
The Pentagon announced on Friday, May 1, the withdrawal of around 5,000 American soldiers from Germany, following Donald Trump expressing annoyance towards Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the war in Iran. This withdrawal corresponds to approximately 15% of the 36,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany. “We anticipate the withdrawal to be completed within the next six to twelve months,” a Defense Ministry spokesperson stated.
Earlier in the week, Donald Trump hinted at a reduction of the American armed forces stationed in Germany, an ally and NATO member, in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s comments. The German leader had stated on Monday that “the Americans evidently have no strategy” in Iran, and that Tehran was “humiliating” Washington. “He thinks it’s okay for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” responded 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,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement to AFP. NATO is working with the US to “better understand” Washington’s decision, an alliance spokesperson mentioned on Saturday.
Apart from Germany, Donald Trump also mentioned on Thursday considering a reduction of American forces in Italy and Spain, amid the conflict in Iran. “Italy has been of no help and Spain has been disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful,” stated the president, blaming his European allies for lack of support in the Middle East conflict. By the end of 2025, Italy had 12,662 active-duty American soldiers, and Spain had 3,814, according to official records.
On Friday, Donald Trump indirectly criticized Germany and its significant automobile exports, announcing a plan to raise tariffs by 25% on vehicles imported to the US from the European Union. He accused the EU of not honoring the trade agreement reached in August 2025, although the process of approval for this agreement is not yet complete within the bloc of 27.
