German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized ties with the US and NATO during a visit to the army on Thursday, without directly responding to comments made by the US President the previous evening, reports The Guardian, according to UNN.
Details
Merz, as the publication notes, changed his tone regarding Iran, emphasizing ties with the US and NATO during a visit to the German army in Munster.
The German Chancellor called for a "reliable transatlantic partnership" – without giving a direct response to Trump's comments made the previous evening.
But indirectly, there was much in his words that will be perceived as his indirect response, as he repeatedly emphasized the importance of the partnership with the US, NATO, and shared transatlantic goals, the publication notes.
Merz spoke in detail about the task of reforming the Bundeswehr to be ready to "fight tonight" and to "prepare for the challenges of tomorrow and the day after tomorrow."
He repeatedly and purposefully emphasized Germany's commitment to a "strong and united NATO" and noted the joint work with the US and other NATO allies. He pointed out that a high-ranking US military commander was present in Munster yesterday.
Regarding Iran, he took a noticeably different stance than earlier this week, focusing pressure exclusively on the regime and stating that it "must come to the negotiating table" and "must no longer take the region and, ultimately, the entire world hostage" to its interests.
Regarding Iran, he said that Germany is working "in close contact with its partners," including – again, specifically mentioned – Washington and the US, the publication writes.
"We do this in our common transatlantic interests, with mutual respect and a fair sharing of the burden," he said.
He added that Germany's position aligns with the emphasis on a "strong NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership," which, he stressed, is "especially close to my heart."
Recall
The day before, Trump threatened to reduce US troops in Germany amid a conflict with Merz.
On April 27, Merz criticized US policy toward Iran, claiming a lack of a clear strategy from Washington and noting that the Iranian leadership is "humiliating" the US during negotiations.
Trump responded to Merz's position on Iran, stating that "he doesn't know what he's talking about."