New Delhi, May 2 -- The scheduled removal of 5,000 American troops from Germany ought to encourage Europeans to bolster their sovereign security, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated Saturday, following Washington's newest strike against transatlantic cooperation.

The Pentagon confirmed the reduction from Germany-its primary European hub-on Friday, as friction regarding the Iranian conflict and trade disputes further complicates the US-Europe partnership.

US President Donald Trump advocated for a smaller military footprint in Germany as early as his initial term and has consistently pressured Europe to manage its own protection. However, he escalated the threat this week after clashing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, wh...