Merz Meets Trump Amidst Escalating Iran Conflict
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to become the first European leader to visit President Donald Trump since the United States and Israel launched military actions against Iran. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, has been reshaped by the escalating conflict, shifting the focus from previously planned discussions on Ukraine, trade and NATO relations.
From Ukraine to Iran: A Changed Agenda
The White House meeting was initially intended to address the war in Ukraine, US-EU trade tensions, and efforts to strengthen transatlantic ties. However, the recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Tehran, have thrust the Iran conflict to the forefront of the agenda.
Germany’s Position on Iran
Chancellor Merz, while historically critical of Iran’s leadership, stated on Sunday that Germany shares the Iranian people’s “relief” that the “mullah regime is coming to an conclude.” He also cautioned against lecturing allies on the legality of the attacks, citing past unsuccessful attempts to curb Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs.
European Response and German Limitations
Germany, along with France and Britain, has expressed readiness to defend its interests and those of its allies in the Gulf through “defensive action” if necessary. However, Germany has clarified that its participation will be limited to defending its own troops stationed in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the Bundeswehr would only defend itself if attacked, with “no measures beyond this” planned.
A Complex Relationship
The meeting between Merz and Trump takes place against a backdrop of growing estrangement between the two allies. Despite their differing political ideologies – Merz being a Christian Democrat with a focus on transatlantic and multilateral cooperation, and Trump a former businessman leading the MAGA movement – Merz has managed to maintain a cordial relationship with Trump. This has been partly attributed to Germany’s increased defense spending, aligning with US expectations for European NATO members, and the EU’s handling of trade disputes.
Trade and Sovereignty on the Agenda
During the Oval Office discussion, Merz is expected to present the EU’s “coordinated position” on trade, emphasizing the need for “planning security” for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Germany’s Mechanical Engineering lobby group has urged Merz to leverage his relationship with Trump to achieve a comprehensive tariff agreement between the EU and the USA, despite the current focus on the Iran war.
Merz has previously challenged Trump on issues like Ukraine, advocating for greater European sovereignty in a turbulent geopolitical landscape. During their first meeting in June, Merz urged Trump to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, a request that Trump reportedly received positively, describing Merz as “a very good man to deal with” and acknowledging he could be “difficult.” Merz also presented Trump with his grandfather’s German birth certificate and extended an invitation to visit his ancestral homeland.
Repairing Transatlantic Trust
At the Munich Security Conference in February, Merz acknowledged the “deep rift” between the allies but also called for the US to “repair and revive transatlantic trust together.”