Germany’s Merz downplays rift with Washington despite US troop drawdown
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sought to minimize tensions with the United States following Washington's announcement to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany. He emphasized that the troop drawdown is unrelated to his recent criticism of Donald Trump's Iran strategy, reaffirming the U.S. as Germany's key NATO partner. The move comes amid broader transatlantic strains over military commitments, trade tariffs, and differing positions on the Iran conflict.
- ▪US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 American soldiers from Germany over the next 12 months.
- ▪Merz criticized Trump's strategy in Iran, saying the U.S. lacked a clear path out of the conflict, prompting a sharp rebuke from Trump.
- ▪Germany hosts about 36,000 US troops, the largest number in Europe, followed by Italy and the UK.
- ▪Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on European Union cars and trucks, disproportionately affecting German exports.
- ▪NATO is assessing the details of the US troop withdrawal decision and its implications for alliance cohesion.
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Economy|PoliticsGermany’s Merz downplays rift with Washington despite US troop drawdownGerman chancellor says criticism of Donald Trump’s strategy in Iran unrelated to troop withdrawal announcement.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoDonald Trump meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office on March 3, 2026 [AFP]By Al Jazeera and ReutersPublished On 3 May 20263 May 2026German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has tried to downplay tensions with the United States after Washington announced plans to reduce the number of American troops in Germany.Merz said US plans to withdraw troops have “no connection” to the rift with Donald Trump over his strategy in Iran.Recommended Stories…
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