German Defense Minister: US troop withdrawal expected... Europe must bear responsibility for its security

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, in response to the United States' announcement of withdrawing 5,000 US troops from Germany, that Europeans must bear greater responsibility for their security, amid escalating tensions between US President Donald Trump and NATO allies in Europe.

Pistorius added: "Germany is on the right track" in this regard, referring to the expansion of its armed forces "Bundeswehr", increasing and accelerating equipment purchases, and building military infrastructure.

Pistorius estimated the current number of US troops stationed in Germany at "nearly 40,000 soldiers", considering that "the presence of US soldiers in Europe, especially in Germany, is in our interest and the interest of the United States." However, he added that "the United States was expected to withdraw its forces from Europe, including Germany."

Trump had threatened last week to reduce the number of US troops in Germany, after a spat with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, regarding the US strategy in the Iran war.

Pentagon plans

On Friday, the US Department of War "the Pentagon" announced the withdrawal of 5,000 military personnel from Germany, while a Pentagon spokesperson, in statements to "Al-Sharq", indicated that the troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to 12 months.

Germany hosts approximately 35,000 active US military personnel, which is the largest number in Europe.

A senior Pentagon official, who requested anonymity, told "Reuters", that recent German statements were "inappropriate and unhelpful", adding: "The President is responding correctly to these unconstructive statements."

The official explained that the troop reduction would bring the US military presence in Europe back to near pre-2022 levels, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a reinforcement of US deployment during the term of former President Joe Biden.

"Reuters" reported days ago that an internal email from the Department of War contained options to punish NATO member states, which Washington believes have not supported US operations in the Iran war, including suspending Spain's membership in the alliance, and reviewing the US position on Britain's claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

European-American disagreements over the Iran war

It is not yet clear whether Washington will withdraw more of its troops in Europe. Trump said on Thursday that he "might" consider withdrawing US troops from Italy and Spain.

Trump threatened last month to impose a full US trade embargo on Spain, which announced that its bases or airspace would not be allowed for attacking Iran.

The United States has two important military bases in Spain; namely the "Rota" naval base, and the "Morón" air base.

Trump also entered into a dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the Iran war, as well as his criticisms of Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican.

Trump said in April that Meloni, who was previously one of his closest allies, "lacked courage," and that she "let Washington down."

The senior Pentagon official told "Reuters": "The President has been very clear about his displeasure with the statements of our allies and their failure to provide support for US operations that are in their interest."

German Chancellor Merz stated earlier this week, that the United States "did not consult Germany or its allies in Europe" before starting the Iran war, noting that he immediately informed Trump of his "skepticism about the feasibility of this conflict."

The number of US troops in Germany represents about half of the total US military presence in Europe.

Germany also contains dozens of US facilities, including the supreme command of US forces in Europe and Africa, and vital military assets, including B-61 nuclear bombs.

Al-Sharq