May 15, 2026, 3:53 p.mMay 15, 2026, 3:53 p.m
After tensions in German-American relations, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone.
Merz spoke on Platform X about a good phone call with Trump on his return trip from China. “We agree: Iran must come to the negotiating table now.” Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is not allowed to have nuclear weapons.
Merz further wrote that he and Trump had also discussed a peaceful solution for Ukraine and coordinated their positions in the run-up to the NATO summit in Ankara. The peak is in July. “The USA and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO,” wrote Merz.
We also discussed a peace solution for Ukraine and agreed before the NATO summit in Ankara. The USA and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO. (2/2)
— Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 15, 2026
Trump was on a state visit to China. Recently, the Iran war had put more and more strain on German-American relations. Merz had accused the USA of allowing itself to be humiliated by Iran.
He received a personal attack from Trump: “He has no idea what he’s talking about!” Trump wrote about the Chancellor on his Truth Social platform. It is no wonder “that Germany is doing so badly, both economically and in other respects!”
Merz had said that the quick solution to the Iran war initially sought by the USA and Israel had not materialized. He accused the USA of lacking a strategy. Trump had previously criticized Germany for its lack of help in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for oil trade. The Iran war also has economic consequences for Germany.
The US Department of Defense had announced that it would withdraw around 5,000 of the approximately 39,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany. (sda/dpa)