Merz warns against rift with US as Trump slams NATO

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that efforts to end the war involving Iran must not come at the expense of transatlantic relations, as US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of NATO over what he described as a lack of support during the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Speaking in Paris after discussions on a possible military operation by Western partners to secure the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil route that had effectively been closed amid the conflict — Merz stressed the importance of maintaining unity between Europe and the United States.

"This war must not become a trans-Atlantic stress test," Merz said.

"In this respect, we must now draw some conclusions together."

He also cautioned about the broader consequences if diplomatic and strategic efforts fail.

"If what we have set out to do fails, then a major multidimensional global crisis looms," Merz added.

His remarks come after both Iran and Trump announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which had been shut by the Iranian government in response to US and Israeli attacks.

At the same time, Trump escalated his criticism of NATO in a series of posts, claiming the alliance had offered assistance only after the situation had stabilised.

"Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!" he wrote.

Responding to the developments, a NATO official said the alliance "observed today’s meeting on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and is closely monitoring the military planning being carried out."

Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO for not participating in efforts to reopen the strait, warning that US support for the alliance could be reassessed.

By Tamilla Hasanova