Merz Backs Strong NATO and US Partnership

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a reliable transatlantic partnership during a visit to the Bundeswehr in Münster, indirectly responding to US President Donald Trump's remarks about a possible reduction in the number of US troops in Germany.

Merz did not directly address Trump's comments but repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation with the United States, NATO and shared goals. He also spoke of the need to reform Germany's armed forces to be ready to "fight tonight" while facing future challenges.

He reiterated Germany's commitment to a "strong, united NATO" and recalled joint activities with the US and other allies, noting that a senior US military commander had recently visited Münster.

On Iran, Merz took a firmer tone than earlier in the week, stating that responsibility lies with the Iranian regime, which "must come to the negotiating table" and "must no longer take the region and ultimately the world hostage".

He stressed that Germany was acting in close cooperation with its partners, including the US. "We do this in our common transatlantic interest, with mutual respect and fair burden sharing", he said, adding that a strong NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership remained his key priorities.

(guardian, bak)