Merz Says His Row With Trump Over Iran Isn’t Linked to Troop Cuts
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his public disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump over Iran policy is not linked to the announced reduction of U.S. troops in Germany. He emphasized the importance of maintaining NATO cooperation despite differing views on Middle East strategy. The U.S. plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops, a move that has raised concerns among some American lawmakers about transatlantic security.
- ▪German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied any connection between his Iran-related dispute with Trump and the U.S. troop reduction in Germany.
- ▪The United States plans to cut around 5,000 troops from its military presence in Germany, with President Trump suggesting even deeper cuts.
- ▪Merz criticized the U.S. strategy in Iran talks, saying the Americans were being 'humiliated,' prompting a sharp response from Trump.
- ▪The troop drawdown cancels a previous plan to deploy U.S. long-range Tomahawk missiles to Germany, which Berlin had supported as a deterrent against Russia.
- ▪U.S. lawmakers from Trump's own party, including Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, expressed concern that the withdrawal would weaken deterrence against Russia.
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By Steve MollmanWeekend EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there was no link between his dispute with President Donald Trump over Iran and Washington’s decision to reduce U.S. troop levels in Germany, dismissing suggestions that the drawdown was political retaliation.Merz made the remarks in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, responding to questions after the United States announced this week it would cut its military presence in Germany by about 5,000 troops.On Saturday, Trump suggested the troop reductions would be even bigger.
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