Merz assured that good relations with Trump would be maintained despite differences over Iran

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his personal relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump remains constructive, despite their differing views on the war in Iran. During a press conference in Berlin, the head of the German government emphasized the importance of continuing active transatlantic dialogue. 

This was reported by the Ukrinform news agency.

Merz emphasized that his concern about the war in the Middle East stems primarily from the economic risks for Europe. In particular, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have “massive consequences” for Germany’s energy supply and economic capacity. The chancellor noted that Germany advocates for the conflict to be resolved as soon as possible, but this does not prevent the leaders from remaining “in good speaking terms.”

Earlier, Donald Trump criticized Merz for his allegedly flawed assessment of Iran’s nuclear program, but the chancellor assured that contacts between the governments remain close. In particular, Germany’s foreign minister has just returned from New York after a series of successful talks with the American side. Amid geopolitical turbulence, Berlin also continues to coordinate with Washington on support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Prior to this, the German chancellor criticized U.S. policy toward Iran. He noted that Washington lacks a strategy in the ongoing war, and that the American nation has been “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership due to the failed negotiations in Islamabad.

Merz announced new sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet