"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thinks it is acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons. He does not understand what he is saying. If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, the entire world will be held hostage. What I am doing with Iran is what countries and previous presidents should have attempted long ago," US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on 28/4.
He also criticized the German government, stating that Berlin is "doing very poorly, both economically and in other aspects."
Merz's critical remarks came a day after he spoke at a student dialogue event in Germany. He stated that the US "clearly lacks a strategic plan" in handling the conflict with Iran. Merz analyzed that the challenge in conflicts with governments is not just about intervention but also about calculating an exit strategy, citing lessons from Afghanistan and Iraq.
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US President Donald Trump (right) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on 3/3. Photo: AFP |
Merz noted that Tehran is demonstrating effective negotiation skills to gain an advantage over the US. "More precisely, the Iranians are cleverly choosing not to negotiate. They allowed the US delegation to travel all the way to Islamabad, only for it to return without any achievements. An entire country is being embarrassed by Iran's leadership, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," Merz stated.
The German leader's comments came as dialogue efforts between the US and Iran had not achieved significant progress. The first round of contact in Islamabad concluded without results, and a plan to send a special envoy to Pakistan for a second round of negotiations was canceled at the last minute.
President Trump stated that Iran had sent a proposal he considered unsatisfactory. However, after the US canceled the negotiating delegation's trip, Tehran presented a better proposal. He also wrote that Iran told the US they were "on the verge of collapse" and wanted Washington to end the port blockade.
The US President has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with European allies, including Germany, for refusing to participate more deeply in the campaign against Iran.
German leaders have affirmed no intention of intervening in the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran. European countries also stated they would only participate in protecting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict fully ends.
Thanh Danh (According to Hill, Al Jazeera, Guardian)
