Berlin: Germany will not restrict US forces’ access to military bases in the country, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday, dismissing speculation of possible retaliation by the Trump administration. At a news conference in Berlin, Merz emphasized the importance of preserving NATO unity during a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, despite differences over the Iran conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Merz clarified that there was no discussion of a withdrawal or restriction of the use of military infrastructure maintained by US forces in Germany. He stated that stationing agreements are in place and the German government sees no reason to question the operations of US forces within those agreements. Merz also noted that Trump did not mention any plans to withdraw American troops stationed in Germany.
The remarks come in the wake of US media reports suggesting that Washington is considering relocating forces from NATO countries perceived as unhelpful during the Iran war to more supportive nations. The Wall Street Journal reported that this move could penalize allies seen as insufficiently cooperative with the US and Israel.
In recent weeks, US officials have criticized several European partners, including the UK, Spain, and France, for restricting military movements or denying overflight rights. Although Germany has not imposed such limits, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius faced criticism from Washington after stating, “This is not our war; we did not start it.”
Merz warned that disagreements over the US and Israel’s war with Iran must not undermine the alliance. He stressed the importance of maintaining and developing NATO, emphasizing that there is currently no substitute for the alliance and expressing a strong interest in working with the American president to preserve it.
Merz further added that the war has become a transatlantic stress test, and efforts should be made to prevent further strain on relations between the US and its European NATO partners. He reiterated the significance of NATO as a guarantor of security, particularly in Europe.
Trump has expressed frustration with NATO’s response to the Iran conflict. In a Truth Social post after meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, he criticized NATO’s absence during times of need. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump believes NATO was tested and failed during the conflict, expressing disappointment over NATO’s stance.