Friedrich Merz: Relationship with Trump remains ‘good’ despite spat over Iran

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly commented on Wednesday regarding his relationship with US President Donald Trump, noting that while they maintain a working relationship, a significant rift remains over the war in Iran.

Merz reaffirmed his deep concerns regarding the severe economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 

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This public disagreement highlights the diverging views between the Trump administration and its European NATO allies on Iran, as well as lingering tensions over the conflict in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Trump criticized Marz’s stance in a social media post, alleging the German chancellor thought it was “OK” for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Trump added that Merz “had no idea what he was actually talking about,” according to reports from Reuters.

“From my perspective, my personal relationship with the ​U.S. President remains good. I simply had doubts from the ⁠start about what was begun with the war in Iran. That is ​why I have made that clear,” Merz told reporters.

"In Germany and Europe, we are ​suffering from the consequences, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This has a direct impact on our energy supply and a huge impact on our economic performance,” ​said Merz, adding that Washington and Berlin were speaking to each other.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rebuked Washington on Monday, claiming Iran is “humiliating” the United States by drawing officials into fruitless peace talks in Pakistan without a clear exit strategy. 

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz has remained virtually closed since early March, triggering global market turmoil and unprecedented energy disruptions. 

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for their refusal to provide naval support to reopen the critical shipping lane. Despite an existing ceasefire, the conflict remains deadlocked as both sides struggle to negotiate a formal peace treaty.