Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) at his assembly with US President Donald Trump identified similarities between Germany and the USA in Iran coverage. “We agree that this terrible regime in Tehran must be overthrown,” Merz stated in a short assertion in the beginning of his second go to to Trump in Washington.
The Chancellor added that they might not solely speak in regards to the present state of affairs, but additionally about what’s going to occur afterwards. He has an incredible curiosity in a typical method and joint work. This is “extremely important” for Europe USA and Israel.
Germany had behaved splendidly, Trump stated on the assembly and praised the Chancellor’s work. “He’s doing his job very well,” Trump stated. Merz was a “very, very successful man” and had change into a pal, Trump added. The USA and Germany get alongside very nicely with one another. The president discovered different phrases for former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Trump stated he had “differences” with Merkel. “I said: You are harming your country with migration and you are harming your country with energy policy.”
Merz, however, is “pretty much the opposite” of his predecessor on each points, Trump stated. He considers the Chancellor to be an “excellent leader” and the relations between the 2 nations are sturdy.
Criticism of Spain and Great Britain
Trump was far more important of the governments in Spain and the United Kingdom. “Spain has actually said that we are not allowed to use their bases,” stated Trump, referring to the US assaults on Iran. Nobody may inform the USA what to do or to not do. If the US needed, they may use the bases with out permission. “They were unfriendly,” Trump stated. And that is why he instructed his Finance Minister Scott Bessent to cease “all deals” with Spain. Which settlement Trump was referring to remained unclear at first.
“I’m not happy about the United Kingdom either,” Trump stated. Great Britain had initially prevented the USA from finishing up assaults on Iran from British bases. On Sunday night, Prime Minister Keir Starmer relented and allowed restricted use. Trump stated there have been significantly better options.
Despite shut coordination with the USA, Germany, like the opposite European NATO companions, just isn’t collaborating within the assaults. Merz had already identified the dangers of increasing the battle on Sunday and expressed doubts as as to if a change of energy may truly be achieved. At the identical time, he confirmed understanding for the army motion and didn’t criticize it.
Merz: Iran battle is damaging the German financial system
Merz drew consideration to the financial penalties on the assembly. He stated that the Iran battle was additionally damaging the German financial system. He due to this fact hopes that the battle will finish as shortly as potential and that there will probably be a brand new authorities Teheran coming, he stated within the Oval Office of the White House.
US President Trump as soon as once more justified the battle with US safety pursuits and never with a choice by Israel. “If anything, I may have put pressure on Israel. But Israel was ready, and we were ready,” Trump stated when assembly Merz within the Oval Office. He left it open whether or not the president has a concrete plan for who may very well be the political successor in Iran. “Many of the people we had our eye on are dead,” Trump stated.
Merz is with Trump within the White House for the third time. He made his inaugural go to in June final 12 months. Trump described Merz on the time as a “respected” and “good man” and promised: “We will have a great relationship with your country.” In August, Merz was with different main European politicians at a Ukraine summit within the White House.
https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-03/friedrich-merz-donald-trump-besuch-iran