Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) affirms his belief that the transatlantic relationship remains solid and dependable. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” (Saturday edition), the CDU politician admitted to communication stumbling blocks on Germany’s part concerning the Iranian crisis and critiqued recent statements emanating from Washington. While he reiterated his foundational belief-a sentiment he had expressed since assuming office-that the United States would always stand by Germany, Wadephul stated that his deep familiarity with the U.S. administration, from the State Department to NATO structures, confirms the reliability of the alliance. “I repeatedly experience that the transatlantic alliance is strong” he explained.
Regarding the tensions of recent days, particularly those involving the Chancellor’s assessment of the Iran situation, Wadephul cautioned that fundamental principles must not be overlooked. He stressed that differing opinions within and between open societies are normal and should not compromise the core values they share. He concluded that everyone holds responsibility for maintaining these principles, especially during times of conflict and crisis.
He stated that the Chancellor’s warning was specifically directed at Iran. Therefore, the goal now must be to avoid overly provoking the U.S. or escalating the challenge. Wadephul confirmed that this aligned with his conversation on Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio.
Despite these efforts to de-escalate, Wadephul acknowledged that he remains concerned about past disputes, citing issues like tariffs and Trump’s threats towards Greenland, stating that some of these matters were genuinely unnecessary.
Nevertheless, Wadephul also confessed that the German government’s communication surrounding the Iran crisis and the safeguarding of the Strait of Hormuz was inadequate. He noted that they were prepared from the outset to contribute to a “post-war scenario that secures global interests, which are also our own” but admitted they could have articulated this role more clearly to the entire U.S. government. He added that discussions with Washington indicated that the U.S. appreciates Germany’s role.