NATO and top Republicans have expressed concerns over the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that deepens the rift in transatlantic ties over the Middle East war.
The Pentagon's announcement of the troop withdrawal follows a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Iran was 'humiliating' Washington at the negotiating table.
NATO said it is working with the US to understand the details of the decision, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the US troop withdrawal 'from Europe and also from Germany was to be expected.'
Top Republican lawmakers, Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, warned that pulling troops from Germany risks 'sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.'
They noted that Germany had heeded Trump's calls for greater spending on defense and that it had allowed American planes to use German bases and airspace during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump has threatened to slash US troop numbers in Germany and other European allies, saying he wants Europe to take on greater responsibility for its defense rather than depending on Washington.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin was 'prepared' for a reduction in US troops and 'discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies.'
