US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany after chancellor criticized war with Iran

The Pentagon said on Friday the US will be withdrawing roughly 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year.

The move, which comes after President Donald Trump lashed out the German chancellor over his criticism of the US war with Iran, would still leave more than 30,000 US troops in the country.

“The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany,” chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. “This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground. We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months.”

Trump foreshadowed the cuts earlier this week after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran.