- Germany shared the Iranian people’s sense of relief over political change in Tehran
- However, escalating tensions in the Middle East have shifted attention
- German industry groups have encouraged him to leverage his rapport with Trump to push for a stable
United States President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday in what will be his first meeting with a foreign leader since Washington and Israel began military operations against Iran.
The White House visit, planned weeks ago, was originally expected to centre on the war in Ukraine and strained trade ties between the European Union and the United States, part of broader efforts to stabilise transatlantic relations, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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However, escalating tensions in the Middle East have shifted attention. Trump has indicated that air operations against Iran could continue for an extended period, while Tehran has responded with strikes targeting US bases and regional allies.
Merz, who has been openly critical of Iran’s leadership, said Germany shared the Iranian people’s sense of relief over political change in Tehran. Still, he stopped short of questioning the legality of the US and Israeli strikes aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile ambitions.
Germany, alongside France and the United Kingdom, has stated it would only support defensive measures to protect partners in the Gulf, a stance that drew criticism from some US officials who viewed it as insufficiently robust.
Despite policy differences, Merz and Trump have maintained working relations. The German leader has supported higher defence spending within NATO, aligning with long-standing US demands, while also urging Europe to strengthen its strategic independence.
On trade, Merz is expected to present the EU’s unified position on tariffs, stressing the need for certainty for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
German industry groups have encouraged him to leverage his rapport with Trump to push for a stable and comprehensive EU-US trade agreement.
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