Donald Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany in a public clash with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, escalating tensions between Washington and one of its closest NATO allies. The dispute broke out after Merz said Iran had 'humiliated' the United States, a comment Trump read as a personal attack rather than allied support. Trump lashed out publicly, calling the remark inappropriate and raising the prospect of pulling American military forces stationed in Germany. The U.S. maintains tens of thousands of troops in Germany, making any withdrawal a significant shift in NATO's eastern defense posture. The exchange is notable because Merz had been seen as a more transatlantic-friendly leader after taking office, and an open rift this early complicates European security planning. Watch whether Berlin issues a formal clarification or whether other NATO members respond, as the alliance is already navigating disagreements over defense spending and Ukraine support.
Venezuela's earthquake death toll has reached 1,430 with the US Geological Survey warning fatalities could top 10,000, placing it among Latin America's deadliest in a century. US military planes are landing in Caracas, Washington is mobilising $150 million in aid, and rescue teams from 17 countries are on the ground.
Iranian armed forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, briefly halting traffic through the waterway. The strike threatens a fragile US-Iran arrangement and could push shipping insurance costs and oil prices higher.
The US has struck Iran, with President Trump citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as justification. The action raises immediate risks for global oil flows through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.
The US struck ten Iranian targets on the second consecutive day of military action, putting a fragile ceasefire under serious pressure. The escalation raises immediate risks for Gulf shipping, global oil supply, and regional stability.
