Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced on 1/5 that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. This process is expected to be completed within the next 6-12 months.

Parnell stated the decision followed a comprehensive review by the US Department of Defense of its force posture in Europe, which considered regional strategic requirements and ground realities.

Data from the Pentagon's Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) in 12/2025 indicated that 36,436 US military personnel are currently stationed in Germany, the highest number among European countries. Italy hosts 12,662 US troops, while Spain has 3,814.

Germany is central to the US military presence in Europe. It serves as the headquarters for the US European Command (USEUCOM), a primary medical treatment center, and houses numerous maintenance facilities and weapons depots for the US Air Force.

US soldiers during an exercise at the Hohenfels training area, southern Germany, 10/2023. Photo: AFP

This move follows public criticism from US President Donald Trump towards German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the Middle East conflict. On 27/4, Merz stated the US lacked a clear strategy and Iran was "humiliating" it. President Trump later announced the US was considering reducing troop numbers in Germany and would finalize a decision soon.

Beyond Germany, President Trump also warned of potential troop reductions in Italy and Spain. He criticized these nations for not joining efforts to "eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat."

The United States appears determined to pressure allies who do not support its stance in the conflict with Iran, or who fail to participate in efforts to lift blockades and patrol the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane currently controlled by Tehran.

Last week, Reuters quoted an anonymous US official who stated the Pentagon had explored options to sanction North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies deemed "uncooperative with Washington" during the Iran campaign.

An internal Pentagon email expressed frustration over certain allies denying the US access to bases, use of facilities, and overflight rights, considered minimum cooperation within NATO. The email outlined US response options, including the suspension of NATO membership for "uncooperative" nations, with Spain specifically mentioned.

By Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)