WASHINGTON, D.C. March 3, 2026 — President Donald J. Trump met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office on Tuesday for high-level discussions on the ongoing U.S.-led military operation against Iran, bilateral trade, and other global issues.
The White House announced the meeting in real time via its official X account, stating: “HAPPENING NOW: President Donald J. Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet in the Oval Office and discuss crucial matters like Operation Epic Fury, Iran, and trade.” A video of the meeting was attached to the post.
Operation Epic Fury, launched at the end of February 2026, involves U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile production sites, naval assets, and regime infrastructure. The campaign has reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and significant degradation of the country’s military capabilities.
During the Oval Office talks, Chancellor Merz expressed alignment with the U.S. stance, saying the two nations are “on the same page in terms of getting this terrible regime in Tehran away” and that they would discuss “the day after” the current operations. He also called for an early resolution to the conflict, citing rising global energy prices and economic impacts.
President Trump updated on the operation’s progress, noting that “just about everything’s been knocked out” in terms of Iran’s air force, navy, and missile systems. He thanked Germany for its support, including providing access to bases for U.S. forces, while contrasting this cooperation with the positions of other European allies such as Spain and the United Kingdom.
The leaders also addressed U.S.-EU trade relations, tariffs, and the situation in Ukraine, with Merz urging stronger pressure on Russia.
This meeting marks one of the first high-level engagements between the Trump administration and Merz’s government, which took office in May 2025. It is the first visit by a major European leader to the White House since the start of Operation Epic Fury, underscoring transatlantic coordination amid the Middle East conflict.
No immediate joint statement was released following the closed-door discussions, but both sides described the talks as productive.
The White House video footage shows Trump and Merz seated together in the Oval Office, exchanging views on the matters at hand.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments related to Operation Epic Fury and U.S.-German relations.
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