German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that despite his differences with US President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict, the Americans remain Germany’s most important partners within NATO.
“I must admit that the American president has a different opinion on these issues than we do, but that doesn’t change my conviction that the Americans are important partners for us, the most important in the North Atlantic alliance, and that we have a common interest in Europe and America moving forward hand in hand,” Merz said in an interview with the ARD broadcaster.
At the same time, the Chancellor reiterated his criticism of US strategy toward Iran.
“I told him (Trump): if you want us to help you in such a conflict, call us in advance and ask,” Merz added.
The US leader has recently criticised the German chancellor, who noted on April 27 that Western countries had underestimated Iran and that the United States risked becoming bogged down in a long-term conflict in the Middle East. Trump accused Merz of incompetence and announced that the United States was considering reducing the US military contingent in Germany.
On the night of April 2, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed to RIA Novosti the department’s decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany within six to 12 months.
