German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that he will not give up on working with U.S. President Donald Trump or the transatlantic relationship. In an interview with public broadcaster ARD, Merz reiterated that Americans remain important partners for Germany.
These statements follow recent tensions and a spat between the leaders over the war in Iran. Criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran from Merz and other European leaders has clearly aggravated President Trump.
Despite these disagreements, Merz insisted there is no connection between the criticism of Trump's strategy in Iran and the announcement regarding the pullout of U.S. troops from Germany. He further noted that he shares Trump's goal of ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.