Merz denies link between US troop cuts and Iran criticism.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is actively minimizing the growing friction between Berlin and Washington, even as the United States moves to reduce its military footprint in the country. Merz insisted on Sunday that Washington's plan to pull troops from Germany bears no connection to his recent criticism of President Donald Trump's handling of the conflict in Iran.

"I remain convinced that the Americans are the most important partner for us in the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO)," Merz stated during an interview with broadcaster ARD, which is scheduled for full broadcast later.

The diplomatic strain escalated last Monday when Merz publicly criticized Trump's actions in Iran, a theater where the US and Israel launched military operations without consulting their NATO allies. Merz described Iran's position as "humiliating" to the United States and warned that Washington lacked a clear exit strategy from the conflict. Although Foreign Affairs Minister Johann Wadephul attempted to clarify the remarks by suggesting Merz was referring to Iran's "bad behaviour" in peace talks, the damage to relations was already done. Trump immediately rebuked the German leader, telling him he "doesn't know what he is talking about" and hinting at a potential withdrawal of American soldiers.

On Friday, the administration's stance hardened as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the reduction of approximately 5,000 American soldiers stationed in Germany over the next 12 months. This drawdown is expected to decrease the total number of US troops in the nation by about 14 percent. Currently, Germany hosts the largest concentration of US forces in Europe, with roughly 36,000 soldiers, compared to about 12,000 in Italy and 10,000 in the UK.

Compounding the tension, Trump also announced increased tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union, a sector in which Germany is a primary producer. Germany has long stood as a staunch ally of the US and Israel, with Berlin serving as one of Israel's most critical weapons suppliers. Merz previously endorsed Israel's attacks on Iran, characterizing the operation as "doing the dirty work for all of us," while Germany has consistently supported Israel's war efforts in Gaza and cracked down on pro-Palestine demonstrators through mass arrests, profiling, and censorship.

However, the rising cost of oil and commodities has seemingly shifted Merz's perspective on the ongoing war in Iran. Trump has frequently criticized European NATO allies for relying too heavily on the US, prompting governments like Germany to increase defense spending and upgrade weaponry. Washington has intensified these pressures recently after EU nations, including Spain, refused to join the war against Iran or assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Spain, in particular, voiced strong opposition to the conflict and closed its airspace to US military aircraft amid the bombing campaign.

On Sunday, Trump amplified his grievances by sharing an article from the far-right news outlet Breitbart on social media. The piece, titled "Trump Tells German Chancellor Merz 'Fix Your Broken Country,' Mulls Pulling U.S. Troops from Spain and Italy," reiterated his threats. About 4,000 US troops are currently based in Spain.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius addressed the situation on Saturday, noting that the US decision to draw down forces in Germany was "foreseeable." Speaking to the DPA news agency, Pistorius emphasized that while the US-Europe relationship remains vital, "Europeans must assume more responsibility for our security." Meanwhile, NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart confirmed on X that the alliance is actively "working with the US to understand the details of their decision.