German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clarified his controversial remarks after criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict. Merz said his personal relationship with Trump remains good, but he questioned Washington’s strategy from the beginning of the war with Iran. After Trump reportedly responded strongly on Truth Social, Merz defended his stance, saying Iran’s leadership had humiliated the U.S. The remarks have triggered major debate over NATO unity, U.S.-Germany relations, and the future of diplomacy in the Middle East crisis.