_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
The Pentagon announced it will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a decision that follows weeks of escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. The move represents about one-seventh of the roughly 38,000 American service members currently stationed in Germany, home to Ramstein Air Base and US European Command headquarters.
The withdrawal comes after Merz criticized American handling of the war, telling students that Washington was "being humiliated by the Iranian leadership." Trump fired back on Truth Social, accusing Merz of supporting Iran's nuclear ambitions and announcing his administration was reviewing troop levels.
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