Trump slams Germany’s Merz again as rift over Iran war widens | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Criticizes German Chancellor Amid Growing Tensions Over Iran War
President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as discord mounts between the United States and Germany over Berlin’s critique of the ongoing military conflict in Iran.
On Thursday, Trump suggested that Merz should concentrate on domestic issues rather than comment on the situation in the Middle East. He highlighted the necessity for the Chancellor to address challenges in Germany, particularly regarding immigration and energy.
“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine, where he has been totally ineffective, and fixing his broken country,” Trump stated in a post on social media. Trump argued that the military actions against Iran have increased global safety and pointed to rising energy prices as a consequence of the conflict.
This dispute highlights the strain on the U.S.-European alliance, particularly since the Iran military campaign was initiated without consultation with NATO partners, a move that has raised concerns among allies.
Additionally, Trump announced that his administration may consider reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, which serves as a linchpin for U.S. security in Europe. In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that Germany is prepared for the potential reduction of American forces while reaffirming its commitment to NATO.
“We are ready for that,” Wadephul stated. “We are discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies, and we are expecting decisions from the Americans about this.”
The conflict escalated after Merz raised questions about the U.S. strategy in Iran, pointing to historical difficulties in exiting military interventions, drawing parallels to the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq. He expressed concerns about the U.S. being undermined by Iran’s negotiation tactics.
Trump criticized Merz’s remarks, asserting that the German leader “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Following the backlash, Wadephul clarified that Merz’s comments were intended to address Iran’s “bad behavior” in ongoing negotiations, aligning with Trump’s views that Tehran is stalling progress.
Germany is a significant military supplier to Israel and has faced scrutiny for its treatment of Palestinian activists within its borders. In past statements, Merz has indicated support for Israel’s military actions, suggesting that they are essential for regional security.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Merz has reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to NATO and the transatlantic alliance. “We are following a clear compass, especially during this turbulent phase, focused on a strong NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership,” he said.
Conversely, Trump has displayed increasing skepticism regarding NATO, citing its reluctance to directly engage in the war against Iran. He frames the conflict as vital to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite statements from U.S. intelligence suggesting that Tehran is not currently pursuing such an endeavor.
In the lead-up to renewed military actions against Iran that began on February 28, Trump had previously asserted that earlier strikes in June 2025 had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
