Germany Reaffirms Strong NATO Ties with US Despite Policy Tensions

(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized late Sunday that the United States remains Germany’s key strategic partner within NATO, underscoring continued transatlantic cooperation despite recent political disagreements.

As stated by reports, Merz said on the social media platform X that both countries share a central security objective, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“We share a common goal: Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened diplomatic tension between Berlin and Washington following his earlier criticism of US strategy in the Iran conflict, including comments that the United States lacked a clear exit strategy and had been politically undermined during negotiations.

According to general accounts, Merz also addressed recent defense-related developments, confirming that the United States will not deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany in the near term. He stressed that the decision was driven by US military capacity constraints rather than political disputes.

“The Americans don't have enough for themselves right now. Objectively speaking, there is virtually no possibility of the US supplying weapons systems of this kind,” he told public broadcaster ARD.

Separately, US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington plans to reduce its troop presence in Germany, stating that cuts could exceed previously discussed levels.

As stated by reports, Trump said the reductions are part of a broader reassessment of US force deployment in Europe, although no detailed timeline was provided.

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