Washington, May 2 -- A sharp deterioration in transatlantic ties has emerged after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticised US President Donald Trump over Washington's conduct in the Iran war, prompting a retaliatory decision by the White House to begin withdrawing American troops from Germany.
The move, confirmed by the Pentagon, signals a potentially significant shift in the United States' military posture in Europe at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a phased pullout of US forces stationed in Germany, with the process expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
"This decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recogn...