Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Photo: Collected

BERLIN, April 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday stressed the importance of a "reliable transatlantic partnership", amid a row with US President Donald Trump over the Iran war.

"In these particularly turbulent times, we are following a clear compass," Merz said during a visit to an army training ground. "This compass remains oriented toward a united NATO and a reliable transatlantic partnership."