Washington: The US defense chief has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, a Pentagon spokesman said Friday. This move marks a significant shift in US military strategy in Europe and follows a comprehensive review of the Department's force posture on the continent.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decision is based on an assessment of theater requirements and current conditions on the ground. The Pentagon expects the withdrawal to be completed within the next six to twelve months, as stated by Sean Parnell in an official statement. This development comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's earlier remarks about reducing the US military presence in Germany amidst ongoing tensions within NATO related to his administration's stance on Iran.

His remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US on Monday for lacking an 'exit strategy' for the Iran war, saying Americans were being 'humiliated' by the Iranian regime in talks.