Merz ‘not giving up on working with Trump’ despite Iran war spat
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he remains committed to working with U.S. President Donald Trump despite recent tensions over the war in Iran and troop withdrawals. He emphasized that disagreements do not undermine the importance of the transatlantic relationship and NATO cooperation. Merz acknowledged differences in approach but affirmed ongoing alignment on key goals like preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- ▪Friedrich Merz said the 'train has not departed' for future US cooperation on Russian deterrence despite current disputes.
- ▪Merz downplayed the U.S. announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, stating it was not a surprise or retaliation.
- ▪He confirmed the suspension of plans to deploy U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany due to depleted American arsenals.
- ▪Merz criticized the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, saying Iran was 'humiliating' Washington, which triggered backlash from Trump.
- ▪Both Merz and Trump share the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, despite differing views on the conflict.
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Friedrich Merz told the talkshow host Caren Miosga the ‘train has not departed’ for US cooperation with Europe’s Russian deterrence. Photograph: dts News Agency Germany ARD/Thomas Ernst/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenFriedrich Merz told the talkshow host Caren Miosga the ‘train has not departed’ for US cooperation with Europe’s Russian deterrence. Photograph: dts News Agency Germany ARD/Thomas Ernst/ShutterstockGermanyMerz ‘not giving up on working with Trump’ despite Iran war spatGerman chancellor downplays US military drawbacks and president’s barbs in TV interviewAgence France-Presse in BerlinSun 3 May 2026 16.27 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has said he will not give up on working with the US president, Donald Trump, despite a spat…
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