WATCH LIVE: Trump hosts Friedrich Merz amid Iran conflict
President Donald Trump is hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Washington, D.C., as teh United States conducts an extensive air and naval campaign against Iran. The meeting, set to begin at 11:15 a.m., marks Merz’s third visit since taking office and woudl make him the first world leader to meet Trump in person since Operation Epic Fury began last Saturday. Germany—one of the EU’s leading militaries—has largely voiced neutrality in the Iran conflict, but Merz has voiced limited support for the U.S. campaign, saying he understands Washington’s actions and that many Iranians share relief that the ruling regime might potentially be ending. He also stressed Germany’s interest in halting Iran’s risky nuclear and ballistic program, while acknowledging the country’s post-World War II military limitations. Merz emphasized that now is not the moment to lecture allies and suggested that Germany shares many of the U.S. goals even if they cannot be fully achieved. Along with Iran, he plans to discuss tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and tensions stemming from a rift over Greenland.
WATCH LIVE: Trump hosts Friedrich Merz amid Iran conflict
President Donald Trump is hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Washington, D.C., as the United States continues its massive air and naval campaign against Iran.
The meeting is set to begin at 11:15 a.m.
The visit will be Merz’s third since taking office. He will be the first world leader to meet with Trump personally since Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday.
Germany possesses one of the most powerful militaries in the European Union but has so far voiced neutrality in the conflict with Iran. Despite this, Merz openly voiced limited support for the U.S. in its campaign, saying he has an “understanding” of the U.S.-Israeli action, and that Germany “shares the relief of many Iranians that this mullah regime is now coming to an end.”
The chancellor also said Germany is interested in putting an end to Iran’s “dangerous nuclear and ballistic armament,” but acknowledged the weakness of Germany’s post-World War II military.
“Now is not the moment to lecture our partners and allies — despite all doubts, we share many of their goals without being able to actually achieve them ourselves,” Merz said.
Outside of Iran, Merz has plenty of other issues to discuss with Trump, including tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and smoothing over tensions after this year’s rift over Greenland.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
