Amid a flare‑up between U.S. forces and Iranian units in the Strait of Hormuz, where missiles, drones and small boats were exchanged and both sides reported casualties, the German chancellor criticized Washington’s approach to the confrontation, saying it lacked a coherent plan. Following his remarks, the Pentagon disclosed a plan to pull roughly 5,000 American soldiers out of Germany, a move that reflects growing tension over the U.S. role in the regional conflict and the reluctance of some NATO members to support offensive operations.