Germany Will Not Restrict US Military Bases Amid NATO Tensions
Berlin, 09 April 2026 – Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that Germany will not limit US forces’ access to military bases in the country, addressing speculation of potential US retaliation amid disagreements over the Iran conflict.
Preserving NATO Unity
At a Berlin press conference, Merz said he emphasized the importance of maintaining NATO unity during a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump. He stressed that Germany has no plans to withdraw or restrict US military operations on German soil.
“Stationing agreements are in place, and the German government has no reason to question whether US forces have operated within those agreements,” Merz said. He added that Trump did not propose removing American troops from Germany.
Context of US Criticism
The comments come after US media reports suggested Washington might relocate forces from NATO countries perceived as uncooperative in the Iran conflict to more supportive nations. Several European allies, including the UK, Spain, and France, faced sharp criticism from Washington for restricting military movements or denying overflight rights. Although Germany imposed no such limits, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius faced scrutiny after stating, “This is not our war; we did not start it.”
Avoiding a NATO Split
Merz warned that differences over the US-Israel war with Iran must not weaken NATO.
“During our phone call, we also discussed NATO’s future,” he said. “There is currently no substitute for this alliance, and I want to preserve it while strengthening cooperation with the American president.”
He added, “We want to ensure that this conflict, which has become a transatlantic stress test, does not further strain relations between the US and its European NATO partners. NATO is a guarantor of our security, especially in Europe.”
Trump Criticism of NATO
President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO’s response to the Iran conflict. After meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, he wrote on Truth Social: “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again.”
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes NATO “was tested, and they failed,” highlighting frustration over what he perceives as inadequate support during the conflict.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE