Issued on: 02/05/2026 - 16:25Modified: 02/05/2026 - 16:59

NATO on Monday said it is working with the United States to understand the decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. US President Donald Trump announced the move on Friday, following a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. Transatlantic relations have been strained since Merz questioned Washington’s strategy in the Middle East. Germany’s defence minister has now said the reduction in American troops should encourage European countries to further strengthen their own defences. FRANCE 24 European affairs correspondent Dave Keating tells us more.

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