Trump Thanks Germany for Base Access, Merz Says Iran Regime Must Go

Trump met with Merz to discuss the widening Iran war and transatlantic cooperation.

“President Trump Meets with German Chancellor Merz | March 3, 2026 | C-SPAN”

C-SPAN

Trump thanked Germany for granting US forces access to military bases, drawing a contrast with Britain and Spain.

DW

Merz said Germany and the US shared a desire to get rid of Iran's current regime.

DW noted Trump dominated the meeting while Merz spoke for just three minutes.

PBS highlighted Trump's statement that someone from within the Iranian regime might be the best choice to take power.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 27% of Americans approved of the strikes.

Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on the war's legality.

France 24

European officials fear the Middle East war will divert attention from supporting Ukraine.

Polish Defense Minister warned the center of gravity of interest is shifting to the Middle East.

Retired US Army Colonel described Kyiv's strategic position as increasingly fragile.

The war in Iran is politically sensitive for Merz, who faces potential backlash at home.

“Trump says Germany helping with Iran strikes in meeting with Merz at White House US President Donald Trump welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the White House on Tuesday, thanking Berlin for granting US forces access to military bases in the expanding war against Iran and drawing a sharp contrast with Britain and Spain”

France 24

Merz expressed no criticism of the US air strikes but stopped short of endorsing.

Trump told Merz the US was not asking Germany to provide troops.

Trump said the post-war government in Iran needed legitimacy and respect.

He repeated his call for the IOC to restart Iran's participation in global sports.

Polymarket

Trump acknowledged most potential leaders they had in mind were dead.

Merz promised to speak with Trump about Russia's war in Ukraine and the US-EU trade agreement.

The Polymarket prediction market on what Trump would say showed stakes over $187,000.

“What will Trump say during events with Chancellor Merz on March 3”

Polymarket

Terms like Tariff, NATO, European Union, and Nuclear were flagged as likely.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

This illustrates how the public anticipates messaging strategies.