German Vice Chancellor Klingbeil defends Merz, says Trump must end Iran war quickly

German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) on Friday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's Iran strategy and defended Chancellor Friedrich Merz against recent attacks from Trump, calling on Trump to ensure the war in Iran ends quickly.

Speaking at a Labor Day event in Bergkamen, western Germany, Klingbeil said of Trump: "I think he really believed this would be a matter of two or three days, and then everything would be fine. He now bears the responsibility for ensuring that this war in Iran ends quickly."

Klingbeil also addressed Trump's criticism of Merz, saying: "We really don't need any advice from Donald Trump. He should take a look at the mess he's created. He should ensure that serious peace talks are now held in Iran."

The dispute escalated after Trump claimed Tuesday that Merz finds it acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about" and said a nuclear-armed Tehran would hold the world "hostage."

Merz had earlier accused the U.S. of going into the Iran war "without any strategy" during a discussion with students in the Sauerland region. Referring to peace negotiations, Merz said: "A whole nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership."

Klingbeil stressed the need for Europe to be economically strong so it is not dependent on "what mood Donald Trump is in today or tomorrow." The remarks come after Trump on April 29 threatened to reduce U.S. troops in Germany following Merz's criticism of the Iran war strategy.