Merz says relations with Trump remain good despite Iran spat

Friedrich Merz said his relationship with US President Donald Trump remains “good” despite a public row over the Iran war, while reiterating concerns about the economic fallout from the conflict, British media reports.

“From my perspective, my personal relationship with the U.S. President remains good. I simply had doubts from the ⁠start about what was begun with the war in Iran. That is why I have made that clear,” Merz told reporters.

“In Germany and Europe, we are suffering from the consequences, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This has a direct impact on our energy supply and a huge impact on our economic performance,” he added, saying Washington and Berlin remained in contact.

On Tuesday, Trump criticised Merz in a social media post, accusing him of misunderstanding US policy and suggesting the German leader had implied it was acceptable for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon — a claim Merz has rejected. Merz has repeatedly said Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

The exchange followed earlier remarks from Merz on Monday, in which he accused Iran’s leadership of “humiliating” the United States by drawing US officials into unsuccessful peace talks involving Pakistan.

Merz also questioned Washington’s strategic approach to the conflict, saying he did not see a clear exit strategy.

Trump, meanwhile, has criticised NATO allies for not contributing naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely shut since early March, disrupting global energy flows and roiling markets.

By Aghakazim Guliyev