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

Описание: 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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Germany economy grows 0.3% in first quarter
https://p.dw.com/p/5D3Cj
DW live blog: Trump criticizes German chancellor over Iran, Ukraine
https://p.dw.com/p/5D5iQ
Max Hofmann’s interview with German FM Johann Wadephul:
   • The international rules-based order is und...  

00:00 A new face on Berlin Briefing
00:49 Merz vs Trump: tensions boil over
01:51 Merz’s blunt comments
03:10 Why Merz spoke so openly
04:57 Trump responds
05:26 US troop withdrawal?
08:22 Damage control in Berlin
11:06 Germany’s FM plays mediator
11:53 A poor choice of words?
14:19 Speaking freely or governing carefully
18:50 It's the economy, Germany
23:26 A recipe to handle Trump?
26:05 Other transatlantic ties
27:29 US‑German relations outlook
32:31 Final thoughts

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/

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