Germany prepared for Trump's threat to withdraw troops: FM

BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Germany is prepared for U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he is considering reducing the U.S. troop presence in the country, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday.

Such decisions must be "discussed with us and with others, as it is proper among allies and partners," Wadephul told the German Press Agency, adding that Berlin is awaiting decisions from the United States.

Wadephul described Trump's remarks as "the announcement of a review," and this was nothing new. "I view this with composure," he added.

He also said that Trump's statements do not call into question major U.S. military sites in Germany including Ramstein Air Base, stressing that they serve an irreplaceable role for both the United States and Germany.

Trump said Wednesday on social media that the United States is studying and reviewing a possible reduction of troops in Germany.

In recent days, Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz lashed out at each other over the Iran war. Merz criticized the United States for its "planless" military engagement in Iran, saying that the United States "is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership."

In response, Trump wrote on social media on Tuesday that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about" and is indifferent to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Enditem