Donald Trump hosted Friedrich Merz at the White House on Tuesday as the Iran war reshaped the diplomatic agenda, shifting focus away from Ukraine and EU-US trade relations towards escalating Middle East security risks and their impact on global energy markets.
The meeting marked the first visit by a foreign leader since the United States joined Israel in air strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. The strikes have triggered retaliatory action by Tehran against US bases and regional allies, heightening geopolitical tensions across key oil-producing and transit regions.
The White House had initially planned discussions around the war in Ukraine and efforts to stabilise strained transatlantic trade ties. However, Trump’s indication that military operations against Iran could continue for weeks has placed Middle East security and energy supply risks at the centre of bilateral talks.
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, has been a vocal critic of Iran’s leadership. He said Germany shared the Iranian people’s relief that the “mullah regime is coming to an end”, but declined to question the legality of the US and Israeli strikes aimed at dismantling Tehran’s strategic weapons programmes.
Germany, alongside France and Britain, has stated it would provide only defensive assistance to Gulf allies in the event of further Iranian attacks. The position drew criticism from some US officials, who described the European response to what Washington calls “Operation Epic Fury” as insufficiently robust.
The Middle East escalation carries direct implications for energy security. The Gulf region accounts for a significant share of global crude exports, and any disruption to shipping lanes or production facilities could amplify volatility in oil and gas markets. European governments are closely monitoring the potential impact on supply chains and industrial energy costs.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron said eight European countries had agreed to support his proposal to strengthen continental security using France’s nuclear deterrent, with Germany identified as a key partner. The initiative reflects broader European efforts to enhance strategic autonomy amid growing uncertainty over global security frameworks.
Despite policy differences, Merz has maintained a working relationship with Trump. Germany has increased defence spending in response to long-standing US demands for greater NATO burden-sharing. However, Merz has also emphasised the need for Europe to strengthen its sovereignty, particularly in light of geopolitical instability.
During earlier engagements, Merz urged Washington to intensify pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine and called for renewed efforts to restore transatlantic trust. Trump previously described Merz as “a very good man to deal with”, signalling pragmatic cooperation despite ideological differences.
Trade policy also remains on the agenda. A spokesperson for Merz said he would present the European Union’s coordinated position on tariffs, stressing the need for planning certainty for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Germany’s mechanical engineering industry has urged progress towards a comprehensive and reliable EU-US tariff agreement, warning that prolonged trade friction could undermine industrial competitiveness.
The Trump-Merz meeting underscores how the Iran war is reshaping diplomatic priorities, linking security strategy, defence spending, trade negotiations and energy stability across the Atlantic alliance.
