Merz and Trump exchange blunt words over Iran | Berlin Briefing Podcast

A blunt remark by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has triggered a sharp response from US President Donald Trump — and reopened questions about the state of transatlantic relations. After Merz publicly criticized Washington’s handling of Iran, saying the US s being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership, Trump hinted at reviewing the US troop presence in Germany, raising security and diplomatic stakes.

In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW Political Correspondent Giulia Saudelli discusses the fallout with Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner and Max Hofmann, Head of DW’s Berlin Bureau. Was Merz was simply speaking his mind — or do his remarks signal a more assertive approach toward an unpredictable partner in the White House? We discuss how much damage has been done, and how real Trump’s threats really are.

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