The United States has decided not to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany for the time being, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed. He stated that the decision was not linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism over the Iran war. In an interview with German broadcaster ARD, Merz explained that the U.S. currently lacks sufficient missiles even for its own needs, making such a transfer practically impossible.

Merz recalled that former U.S. President Joe Biden had pledged in 2024 to supply the missiles to strengthen Germany’s deterrence until Europe developed its own defense systems. He also described the planned withdrawal of over 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as “nothing new,” noting that the deployment had been temporary under the Biden administration and discussions on their return had been ongoing.

The chancellor reaffirmed that NATO’s nuclear protection commitments remain intact and that the United States continues to be Germany’s most important partner within the alliance.