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Merz says Europe wants a strong NATO and shares US goal of ending Iran war

Merz said Europe wants to keep the alliance alive as tensions with Washington rise over Iran, defense spending and immigration, Reuters reported.

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Europe remains committed to keeping NATO functional, despite significant differences with the United States exposed by the war against Iran.
  • Tensions escalated after European nations refused to support the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran; last month, President Donald Trump ordered 5,000 U.S. troops withdrawn and cancelled Tomahawk missile deployments after Merz called the U.S. "humiliating."
  • Merz emphasized the need for "unity of purpose," stating Europe is "highly interested in having the American army" support, while Sweden and Finland have strengthened the alliance's European pillar.
  • During a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Merz declared, "We are really willing to keep this alliance alive for the future," while acknowledging challenges facing all members.
  • Merz expressed disappointment that Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico attended a parade in Moscow marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, noting he would discuss "this day in Moscow" with Fico.
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21 Articles

Right

Germany's Merz Pushes to Preserve NATO Amid Iran Rift

·Washington, United States
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Lean Left

Here you will find information on the topic "US withdrawal." Read now "Merz: Strength of NATO does not depend solely on the number of troops."

·Germany
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wz.dewz.de
+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Center

Many are concerned about the planned withdrawal of US troops from Germany. Despite the tensions with the USA, Chancellor Merz remains optimistic: the common goal in NATO is important.

ReutersReuters
+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Center

Merz says Europe wants a strong NATO and shares US goal of ending Iran war

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday Europe wanted to work to ‌keep the NATO alliance functioning, despite differences with the United States that the Iran war has exposed.

·United Kingdom
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was optimistic on Saturday about the cohesion within NATO, despite tensions with Washington and the planned withdrawal of American troops from Germany, conveys the message.

·Bucharest, Romania
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  • 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center

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WTVB broke the news on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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