German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has affirmed his commitment to maintaining cooperation with President Donald Trump, despite recent disputes over the Iran conflict. Speaking in an interview with ARD broadcast on 3/5, Merz stated, "I am not giving up on efforts to strengthen transatlantic relations, nor am I giving up on cooperation with President Donald Trump."

Tensions between the two allies escalated after Merz, along with several European leaders, criticized a US-Israel campaign targeting Iran. On 27/4, Merz commented that Tehran was "humiliating" Washington at the negotiating table, drawing a sharp rebuke from President Trump.

Merz emphasized that the US remains Germany's primary partner within NATO. He highlighted that opportunities for future cooperation persist, expressing confidence that European NATO members can sustain their deterrence capabilities even without US military support or weaponry.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a press conference in Berlin in 5/2025. Photo: AP

He also conveyed his expectation for President Trump to respect Germany's right to hold divergent views, even if "perhaps a little less so at the moment." While Washington and Berlin hold distinct perspectives on the Middle East conflict, they share a unified objective: preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "We have the common goal that Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. This is something both countries are working together to achieve," Merz stated.

The German leader also sought to downplay recent fluctuations in bilateral relations, including the decision to withdraw 5,000 US military personnel stationed in Germany. He clarified that the troop withdrawal was not unforeseen and should not be perceived as a retaliatory measure from President Trump, as Washington had mentioned this plan previously and "is perhaps being exaggerated" currently.

Furthermore, Chancellor Merz noted that the plan to deploy long-range tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany, which was initially announced during former President Joe Biden's administration, might face delays due to diminishing US arsenals.

The White House announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany on 1/5. Speaking in Florida shortly after, President Trump indicated that the reduction in US forces stationed in Germany "will be more than 5,000." He had previously warned of potential troop reductions in Italy and Spain, criticizing these nations for not supporting the anti-Iran campaign.

By Thanh Danh (CNN, AFP)