Defense officials said Friday that the United States' military is planning to pull 5,000 troops from Germany as the U.S. clashes with Europe over its handling of the regional conflict in the Middle East. 

Germany is crucial to the U.S.'s presence in Europe, with more than 35,000 troops currently stationed in the country. It is home to the largest U.S. military presence in Europe, but the United Kingdom and Italy also host over 10,000 U.S. troops each. 

The senior defense officials told reporters that some of the U.S. forces who are being moved out of Europe may return to the mainland and then be deployed abroad again, according to CBS News. 

The departure will not impact the transport of injured troops to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and the withdrawal will take place over the next six to 12 months, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said.

"This decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground," Parnell said in a statement.

The change comes after President Donald Trump teased the possibility earlier this week but did not give a reason for the withdrawal of American troops. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.