Germany’s Merz downplays rift with Washington despite US troop drawdown

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has downplayed tensions with the United States after Washington announced plans to reduce the number of American troops in Germany. Merz stated that US plans to withdraw troops have "no connection" to the rift with the US over its strategy in Iran. He remains convinced that the Americans are the most important partner for Germany in the North Atlantic Alliance. The US plans to withdraw around 5,000 soldiers, cutting the number of US troops in the country by about 14 percent.