Germany's Merz Backs US Alliance, Calls Iran Nuclear Threat 'Common Goal' As Trump Pulls Troops Over War Rift

German Chancellor Merz emphasized the importance of the U.S. as a key partner in the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) amid tensions with President Trump regarding Iran. He stated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a common goal and criticized Trump's strategy for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Merz denied a direct link to Trump’s withdrawal decision but highlighted the widening strategic rift between Washington and its European allies.