Withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, Merz: It's a bit of an exaggerated decision, but it's nothing new

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the US decision to withdraw troops from Germany is "not connected" to his criticism of Donald Trump.

He also stressed that, "for the time being," the deployment of American Tomahawk missiles on German territory is not expected.

The Pentagon's announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from bases in Germany "is not new," Merz said, adding that "it is perhaps a bit exaggerated, but it is not new." He dismissed speculation that the decision was related to his critical stance on the war in Iran. "It is not related," he stressed, repeating his criticism of the US strategy: "If you want us to help you in such a conflict, call us in advance and ask us," the chancellor said, while also defending his statement that Iran is "humiliating" the US.

Merz stressed that he will not give up efforts to improve transatlantic relations.

"I am not giving up on cooperation with Donald Trump," he said, acknowledging that the US president has a different approach. "However, this does not change the fact that the Americans remain our most important partners in the North Atlantic Alliance," Merz added.

Asked about the deployment of US Tomahawk missiles in Germany, as promised by former US President Joe Biden in 2024, with the aim of strengthening deterrence capabilities until Europe develops its own capabilities, Merz said that this is currently not possible.

"The Americans don't have enough right now and, objectively, it is very unlikely that the US will surrender such weapons systems. But it is not too late yet," he said. At the same time, he assured that "there is no limit to the American commitment to nuclear deterrence on NATO territory."

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