Greg Myhre

The Pentagon says the move follows a thorough review of U.S.

forces in Europe.

Around 35,000 American troops are currently based in Germany, the largest U.S.

military presence in Europe and one of the biggest in any country outside the U.S.,

The drawdown is slated to take place over the next 6 to 12 months.

The Pentagon gave no information on where the troops might be sent.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week that, quote, the Americans clearly have no strategy for ending the war in Iran.

President Trump fired back, saying the German leader should worry more about his country and stop interfering in the Iran war.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington.

The dual blockades have limited the number of ships passing through the strait to just two in the past day.

This is according to ship tracking firms and media reports.

Iran's closure of the strait has been in effect for weeks, though it allowed the passage of a small number of ships considered friendly or at least neutral.

Now the U.S.

Navy is blockading ships traveling to or from Iranian ports.

Most owners of oil tankers and other commercial ships appear unwilling to challenge the blockade.

The result is higher global oil prices hovering around $100 a barrel.

Iran is heavily dependent on oil exports and is now facing even more economic pressure.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington.

Defense Secretary Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon news conference, said the U.S.

achieved all its military objectives.