US troops in Germany: Trump signals possible reduction amid NATO dispute over Iran war

US President Donald Trump said the United States was reviewing whether to cut troop numbers in Germany. The warning followed a sharp public row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israel war against Iran. Trump also repeated complaints about NATO, saying the alliance had not backed the United States during the conflict.

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In a social media post, Trump wrote: "The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,\" Trump linked the issue to broader anger over NATO and the war. Trump has criticised the alliance for not helping in what Trump called a two-month-old war.

Trump troops in Germany review amid NATO dispute

The dispute grew after Merz criticised Washington’s approach to the war. Merz said Iran’s leaders were humiliating the United States. Merz also questioned what Merz called a lack of clear strategy. Despite the criticism, Merz said on Wednesday that the personal relationship with Trump stayed strong.

Merz said: \"his personal relationship with Trump remained as good as ever,\" Merz also said: \"but he had had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran.\" Merz later said the German government stayed on good speaking terms with the Trump administration.

Trump troops in Germany history and earlier withdrawal plan

Trump had earlier tried to reduce the US military presence in Germany. During Trump’s first term, Trump argued Germany spent too little on defence. In June 2020, Trump said about 9,500 troops would leave. That was from roughly 34,500 US troops in Germany then. The process did not begin.

Democratic President Joe Biden stopped the planned withdrawal after taking office in 2021. Germany hosts key US military sites. These include headquarters for US European Command and US Africa Command. The list also includes Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. It is the largest American hospital outside the United States.

Trump troops in Germany tensions linked to Iran war and economy

Merz met Trump at the White House in March. The meeting came days after the US and Israel started bombing Iran. Merz told Trump Germany wanted to work with the US on plans for after the current Iranian government. Merz also warned that a long conflict could harm the global economy.

European concerns rose as the Strait of Hormuz stayed shut. Before the war, about 20 per cent of global oil supply flowed there. Merz said no deal had reopened the route. It has been effectively closed since February 28. This added pressure on Europe’s economy and energy markets.

Merz said: \"We are suffering considerably in Germany and in Europe from the consequences of, for example, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,\" Merz also said: \"And in that regard, I urge that this conflict be resolved.\" Merz made the comments hours before Trump posted the troop warning.

Trump’s criticism of Merz has also appeared online. On Tuesday, Trump wrote: \"The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks its OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesnt know what hes talking about!\" Trump also wrote: \"it was no surprise that Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and in other respects!\" The remarks added to the dispute.

With inputs from PTI