US-Germany Differences Over Iran War Lead to Trump Considering Reducing US Troops in Germany
US President Trump announced that he is considering reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany, citing disagreements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. This move is seen as part of punitive measures against allies who do not support the US on the Iran issue.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 11:18
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Iran-US War Focus News
Central News Agency
(Washington, Central News Agency compiled from foreign reports on the 29th) US President Trump stated today that the United States is considering reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany amid disputes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war.
Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social," stating, "The United States is researching and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future."
According to data from the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), over 35,000 US troops were stationed in Germany in 2024, but the current number of US troops may be higher, with German media reporting close to 50,000.
During his two presidential terms, Trump has repeatedly threatened to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany and other European allies.
Currently, Washington seems intent on taking punitive measures against allies who do not support the US and Israel in the Iran war or do not participate in peacekeeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hours before Trump's post about troop numbers in Germany, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had a phone conversation.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the two discussed the Iran issue and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Merz came under Trump's criticism earlier this week after stating that Iran had "humiliated" Washington at the negotiating table.
Trump stated yesterday that Merz "thinks it's acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons; he doesn't know what he's talking about!"
Merz downplayed this today, emphasizing that relations between the two countries remain good.
At a press conference in Berlin, he said, "As far as I'm concerned, my personal relationship with the US President remains as good as it always has been."
The German leader said he had reservations about the US-Israel war against Iran from the beginning, stating that "Germany and Europe are suffering from these consequences."
Washington appears to be considering other retaliatory measures against Western allies who do not provide assistance in the Iran war.
Reports last week indicated that the US was considering attempting to suspend Spain's status in NATO and potentially re-examining its stance on British control of the Falkland Islands.
However, Washington later reiterated its neutral stance on the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands between Argentina and the UK. A brief but fierce Falklands War broke out between the UK and Argentina in 1982, ultimately won by the UK. (Compiler: Hsu Rui-cheng) 1150430
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Central News Agency
(Washington, Central News Agency compiled from foreign reports on the 29th) US President Trump stated today that the United States is considering reducing the number of US troops stationed in Germany amid disputes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war.
Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social," stating, "The United States is researching and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops stationed in Germany, and a decision is expected in the near future."
According to data from the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), over 35,000 US troops were stationed in Germany in 2024, but the current number of US troops may be higher, with German media reporting close to 50,000.
During his two presidential terms, Trump has repeatedly threatened to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany and other European allies.
Currently, Washington seems intent on taking punitive measures against allies who do not support the US and Israel in the Iran war or do not participate in peacekeeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hours before Trump's post about troop numbers in Germany, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had a phone conversation.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the two discussed the Iran issue and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Merz came under Trump's criticism earlier this week after stating that Iran had "humiliated" Washington at the negotiating table.
Trump stated yesterday that Merz "thinks it's acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons; he doesn't know what he's talking about!"
Merz downplayed this today, emphasizing that relations between the two countries remain good.
At a press conference in Berlin, he said, "As far as I'm concerned, my personal relationship with the US President remains as good as it always has been."
The German leader said he had reservations about the US-Israel war against Iran from the beginning, stating that "Germany and Europe are suffering from these consequences."
Washington appears to be considering other retaliatory measures against Western allies who do not provide assistance in the Iran war.
Reports last week indicated that the US was considering attempting to suspend Spain's status in NATO and potentially re-examining its stance on British control of the Falkland Islands.
However, Washington later reiterated its neutral stance on the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands between Argentina and the UK. A brief but fierce Falklands War broke out between the UK and Argentina in 1982, ultimately won by the UK. (Compiler: Hsu Rui-cheng) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you give is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" app to stay updated on the latest news.
This website's text, images, and audio/video may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.