Merz–Trump ties stay strong despite Iran war rift, says German FM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that relations between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump remain strong, despite differences over the war in Iran.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Wadephul stressed that Berlin supports US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and believes the military campaign has already significantly weakened Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

He added that, despite occasional tensions and sharp statements, strategic cooperation between Berlin and Washington continues.

The minister also said that controversial comments that triggered a reaction from Trump were a “misunderstanding,” emphasising that the outcome of the conflict should be the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Since tensions escalated over Trump’s military campaign against Iran, the US president has moved to reduce troop levels while also threatening higher tariffs on European carmakers, a step that could significantly strain Germany’s economy. In response, Berlin has attempted to ease the situation and avoid further escalation.

German officials have so far taken a restrained approach to Trump’s decision to cut more than 5,000 US troops from Germany, even as Republican figures and NATO allies have raised concerns. Meanwhile, the US president has increasingly criticised European partners, accusing them of not doing enough to help secure maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz.

Beyond the troop reduction, German policymakers are now evaluating how to address a possible security gap if Washington scales back missile deployments in Europe, warning that such a shift could undermine NATO’s deterrence posture against Russia.

“The alliance is stronger than it ever was before,” Wadephul emphasised. “United with new members, we are the most successful defense alliance of the world and we will defend it with all means.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada