German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius says progress is being made at a NATO summit in Ankara on German efforts to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, reported dpa.
"Things are moving forward, but there are no results yet. We are having constructive discussions and I am optimistic that we will be able to achieve something," Pistorius told Germany's Deutschlandfunk radio in the Turkish capital in an interview released on Wednesday morning.
Pistorius stressed "a significant strategic gap in deterrence" when it came to medium-range weapons. "We want to close that gap."
It comes after US President Donald Trump rejected a plan agreed in 2024 to station Tomahawks in Germany.
Berlin is now looking to convince Washington to let it purchase the missiles instead.
Pistorius appeared little worried when asked about recently announced US plans to review military capabilities based in Europe and to commit fewer assets to the continent in case of conflict.
"Firstly, this has not been specified in concrete terms. Secondly, some of these capabilities are not stationed in Europe at all. And thirdly, we agree with our American partners that anything that is withdrawn must also be replaced," he said, adding that the process would, however, take time.
Pistorius also criticized Iran after renewed US strikes targeted the country overnight, calling on Tehran to stop provoking Washington and cease attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran "should not be surprised if the Americans strike back, particularly in the wake of the memorandum of understanding," Pistorius said, referring to a framework agreement between the two warring sides signed last month that was intended to facilitate negotiations on a long-term peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Germany
- Tomahawk missiles
- USA
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
