Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday targeted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his views on the Iran conflict, accusing him of minimizing Tehran’s nuclear aspirations and misrepresenting his position, agencies reported.
In a Truth Social message, Trump claimed Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon” and stated, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” while emphasizing that a nuclear-armed Iran would jeopardize global security.
Trump further warned, “If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage,” and asserted, “I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago.” These statements emerged amid intensifying conflict strains and policy divides between the United States and European allies.
Trump’s response addressed Merz’s earlier criticism of the US Iran policy. The German Chancellor said Iran’s leadership was “humiliating” the United States in talks and pointed to unproductive negotiations where US envoys reportedly went to Pakistan without success.
Merz also cast doubt on the US strategy overall, noting he saw no evident exit strategy from the Iran war. He remarked, “Iranians are clearly stronger than one thought,” and observed that they are negotiating “very skillfully” amid the evolving situation.
Merz additionally flagged dangers in the Strait of Hormuz, stating the passage is “partially mined.” He cautioned that any obstruction could quickly upend worldwide oil transport and economic activity.
