8 hours agoTrump shocks Europe: Threatened to Draw Troops From Germany
Periskopi(2 months ago)
(2 months ago)US President Donald Trump has announced the possibility of reducing the number of American troops stationed in Germany, a new step in increasingly serious disputes with NATO allies. The announcement followed a statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who estimated that the United States had suffered a diplomatic defeat [...]
Trump said through his social network Truth that his administration was considering various possibilities, including reducing the military presence in Germany, and that a decision could be made soon. He was reacting to Merz's statements, in which the German Chancellor claimed Iranian negotiators had overstepped the American side during talks to end the conflict and reopen the Hormuz Strait.
Merz stressed that Iran is showing great skills in negotiations, but also in avoiding them, stressing that American negotiators have travelled without concrete results. He also warned that Europe is suffering the consequences of the blockade of a key maritime route.
Trump responded to allegations that the German Chancellor significantly supports Iran's idea of developing nuclear weapons, claiming that Merz misunderstood the situation. Negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and navigation safety are currently in a deadlock, especially after a new meeting of US representatives was cancelled.
Tensions in NATO
Although Merz tried to calm the situation by stressing that relations with the US remain stable, Trump's statements have caused concern throughout Europe. Tensions between Washington and its European partners are increasingly pronounced, especially due to the American president's growing threats to withdraw from NATO.
Trump has earlier declared that he is seriously considering leaving the alliance, citing dissatisfaction with the insufficient engagement of European countries in conflicts and the protection of strategic roads such as Hormuz Strait. However, such action is limited by American laws requiring the approval of Congress or a qualified majority in the Senate.
Security Dangers
Currently, there are tens of thousands of American troops in Europe, with the largest number stationed in Germany. Trump has long criticised NATO members for not investing enough in defence, accusing them of relying on American protection.
His recent statements and actions have further raised concerns among experts, who warn that such a policy could seriously damage the alliance.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Johannes Waephul about the situation with Iran and the importance of freedom of navigation. At the same time, Trump also held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a short-term ceasefire in Ukraine.
