IN BRIEF
- Transatlantic tensions are simmering over Iran war and tariffs.
- The withdrawal could spell the end to the long-range missile battalion in Germany.
NATO is currently collaborating with the United States to gain clarity on Washington’s recent decision to pull 5,000 troops out of Germany. This development highlights an escalating discord in transatlantic relations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Pentagon’s declaration regarding the troop withdrawal comes on the heels of a public disagreement between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Chancellor Merz criticized the US stance, asserting that Iran was “humiliating” Washington at the negotiation table.
Adding to the tensions, President Trump announced an impending increase in tariffs on European Union cars and trucks, raising them from 15 percent to 25 percent. This move is in response to what he describes as the EU’s failure to adhere to a trade agreement established last summer.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell indicated that the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany is anticipated to be finalized within the next six to twelve months.
NATO, meanwhile, has expressed its intent to comprehend the specifics of the US’s decision regarding its military presence in Germany. “This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defense and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security,” stated NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart in a post on X.
“This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart wrote on X.
There were 36,436 active-duty US troops in NATO ally Germany as of 31 December 2025, compared to 12,662 in Italy and 3,814 in Spain.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday the US troop withdrawal “from Europe and also from Germany was to be expected.”
Republican concern
The decision is being met with scepticism by top Republican lawmakers who oversee US military policy.
In a joint statement on Sunday, senator Roger Wicker and representative Mike Rogers, chairs of the Armed Services Committees in their respective chambers, warned that pulling troops from Germany risks “sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin”.
Even though European allies are boosting defence spending, “translating that investment into the military capability needed to assume primary responsibility for conventional deterrence will take time”, they said.
The duo noted that Germany had heeded Trump’s calls for greater spending on defence and that it had allowed American planes to use German bases and airspace during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
‘Why shouldn’t I?’
Trump has threatened to slash US troop numbers in Germany and other European allies during both his White House terms, saying he wants Europe to take on greater responsibility for its defence rather than depending on Washington.
He now appears determined to punish allies who have failed to back the Middle East war or contribute to a peacekeeping force in the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Iran has effectively closed.
Trump said on Friday he might pull US troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war.
“Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible,” he told reporters.
“Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?” Trump said.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday that Berlin was “prepared” for a reduction in US troops and “discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies”.
However, Wadephul said large American bases in Germany are “not up for discussion at all” and cited the example of Ramstein Air Base, which he said has “an irreplaceable function for the United States and for us alike”.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
