US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 American troops stationed in Germany, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday. The move comes as relations between President Donald Trump and European allies continue to strain over the ongoing Iran war. The decision marks a significant shift in US military posture toward a key NATO ally.

The withdrawal order follows a period of heightened tension between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Earlier, Trump had threatened to remove troops after a heated exchange with Merz. The German leader had criticized the United States, saying Iran was ‘insulting’ Washington during peace talks aimed at ending the two-month-long conflict. Analysts believe this remark contributed to Washington’s decision.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Reuters that the troop withdrawal process is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, signaling a gradual but deliberate reduction of the US presence in Germany.