"Trump's signal that airstrikes against Iran could go on for weeks has upended the global agenda, with Tehran striking back against US bases and allies in the region. Merz, a harsh critic of the Islamic republic's leadership, said Berlin shared the Iranian people's "relief" that the "mullah regime is coming to an end"."
"Germany, France and Britain have also said they will only assist their allies in the Gulf with "defensive action" against Iran. That drew condemnation from US officials of a "soft" response to "Operation Epic Fury" -- potentially putting Merz in the firing line for Trump's ire."
"Merz has managed to maintain cordial ties with Trump and escape his wrath or ridicule. He has done so in part by meeting a key Trump demand for stepped up defense spending among European NATO members, with huge increases in German investments."
President Trump meets with Germany's Friedrich Merz, marking Trump's first foreign leader visit since participating in Israeli strikes on Iran. The scheduled discussion on Ukraine and EU-US trade relations faces disruption from escalating Middle East tensions. Trump indicated airstrikes against Iran could continue for weeks, prompting Iranian retaliation against US bases and regional allies. Merz, critical of Iran's leadership, declined to challenge US-Israel strike legality but Germany, France, and Britain committed only to defensive actions. European reluctance drew US criticism of a "soft" response. Meanwhile, Macron announced eight European nations agreed to strengthen continental security using France's nuclear capability, positioning Germany as a key partner in this effort.
#us-germany-relations #iran-tensions #nato-defense-spending #transatlantic-relations #middle-east-conflict
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