German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that Americans had “clearly no strategy” in Iran and Tehran was “humiliating” the world’s top power.
Published on 02/05/2026 at 08:21, Reading time: 1min
Le chancelier allemand Friedrich Merz échange avec le président américain Donald Trump à la Maison Blanche, à Washington, le 3 mars 2026. (SAMUEL CORUM / CONSOLIDATED NEWS PHOTOS / AFP)
The Pentagon announced on Friday, May 1, the withdrawal of about 5,000 American troops from Germany, following Donald Trump’s expression of annoyance towards Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. 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,” a defense ministry spokesperson said.
Donald Trump had earlier in the week mentioned the possibility of reducing the American forces stationed in Germany, an ally of NATO, in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks. The German leader had stated on Monday that “the Americans clearly have no strategy” in Iran and that Tehran was “humiliating” Washington. “He thinks it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. 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.”
In addition to Germany, Donald Trump also stated on Thursday that he is considering reducing US forces in Italy and Spain, all amidst the Iran conflict. “Italy has been of no help and Spain has been outrageous, absolutely outrageous,” said the president, blaming his European allies for lack of support in the Middle East conflict. At the end of 2025, Italy had 12,662 active-duty American soldiers, and Spain had 3,814, according to official figures.
On Friday, Donald Trump indirectly criticized Germany and its significant automobile exports, announcing his intention to raise tariffs on vehicles imported into the US from the European Union by 25%. He accuses the EU of not respecting the trade agreement concluded in the summer of 2025, while the validation process of this agreement has not yet been completed within the bloc of 27.
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