Merz Upholds U.S. as Key NATO Partner Amidst Tensions

Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, has reiterated the United States' pivotal role in the NATO alliance, even as differences with President Donald Trump surface. This statement comes following the U.S. plan to reduce its military presence in Germany.

In an interview with ARD, a public broadcaster, Merz emphasized on Sunday that the U.S. remains the most crucial ally within the North Atlantic Alliance despite political differences.

Addressing questions about whether the decision to withdraw troops is connected to any disagreement over Trump's policies in Iran, Merz dismissed such notions, stating there is no link between the drawdown and the leaders' dispute.

(With inputs from agencies.)