Washington, March 3, President Donald Trump welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the Oval Office on Tuesday and described the US-led campaign against Iran as decisive and overwhelming, stating that Tehran's military infrastructure had been "neutralized" and warning that its leadership faced "significant consequences."
Seated alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and senior cabinet officials, Trump praised Merz as "a very successful man" who was "doing a very good job. In my opinion, a truly excellent job, very popular," and said the two leaders would discuss trade, Ukraine, and Iran.
On Iran, Trump described a sweeping military operation. "They have no navy; it has been neutralized. They have no Air Force; it has been neutralized. They have no air defense; that has been neutralized, their radar has been neutralized," he said. "We have a strong military, and they are doing a fantastic job."
Merz signaled agreement on the Tehran issue. "We are on the same page regarding removing this terrible regime in Tehran," he said, adding that the leaders would discuss "the aftermath, what will happen then if they are removed."
When asked whether Israel had forced Washington into action, Trump replied, "No, I might have forced their hand." He said negotiations had convinced him that Iran was preparing to strike first. "It was my opinion that they were going to attack first," he said.
Trump accused Iran of targeting civilians and neighboring states. "They targeted countries that had nothing to do with what is going on," he said, calling it evidence of "the level of evil that we are dealing with." He added, "They are also targeting only civilian areas, hotels and apartment buildings, and we are targeting them where it is most appropriate."
He warned, "They are going to face significant consequences. These are bad people." Trump claimed, "35,000 protesters over the last three weeks. 35,000 were violently killed," and said that leadership positions had been targeted. "49 people were eliminated in the first attack. And I guess there was another attack today on the new leadership."
On Ukraine, Merz said, "We all want to see this war end as soon as possible. But Ukraine must protect its territory and its security interests." Trump described the conflict as "very high" on his list and described "tremendous animosity between President Putin and President Zelensky."
He said, "32,000 soldiers died in that senseless war," adding, "It takes two to tango."
Germany is one of Washington's principal allies in Europe and a key player in NATO and European Union policymaking. Berlin has closely coordinated with the United States on Ukraine assistance and sanctions policy since Russia's 2022 invasion.
