NATO officials are “working” with the United States to ascertain the details of Washington’s decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany as a rift in transatlantic ties deepen over Iran war and tariffs.
The Pentagon's announcement of the troop withdrawal follows a spat between U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said on Monday Iran was "humiliating" Washington at the negotiating table. Trump fired back by saying that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about."
It also came as Trump announced that tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union will increase to 25 percent next week over accusations that the bloc did not comply with a trade deal signed last summer.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on Friday the withdrawal of around 5,000 troops from Germany was expected "to be completed over the next six to twelve months."
"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," Parnell said in a statement.
