Berlin, May 4 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called the United States its most important partner in the North Atlantic Alliance, days after criticising President Donald Trump over Washington's handling of the conflict in West Asia.

The remarks came amid US President Donald Trump announcing that the United States plans to reduce its military presence in Germany by significantly more than the 5,000 troops previously announced by the Pentagon.

In a post on X, "The United States is and will remain Germany's most important partner in the North Atlantic Alliance. We share a common goal: Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons."

Friedrich Merz in April had suggested the Trump team was being outplayed in talks with Iran ai...