US reviewing potential reduction of troops in Germany: Trump

The US is assessing a possible reduction of its military presence in Germany, President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

"The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

He did not provide further details.

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

The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who said Tuesday that Merz “doesn’t know what he’s talking about” and accused him of believing that it is "OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

“I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations or Presidents should have done long ago,” Trump said. “No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and otherwise!”

Earlier Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a phone call to discuss Iran, the security situation in the region and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Wadephul said Merz’s comment about the US was meant as a warning to Iran to negotiate seriously.

“This was a clear warning to Tehran not to misunderstand the whole situation,” he told German broadcaster DW, adding the current ceasefire should prompt Iran to reach an agreement rather than stall negotiations.

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but the sides did not reach an agreement.

Trump later said the truce had been extended at Pakistan’s request pending a proposal from Tehran.