Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has attributed a projected €70 billion ($82bn) drop in expected tax revenues between 2026 and 2030 to what he called Donald Trump's "irresponsible war in Iran," saying the conflict has triggered a global energy shock that is directly harming the German economy. The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on 28 February, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz — a critical shipping chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes — sending fuel prices soaring worldwide. The remarks risk deepening an already strained transatlantic relationship, with Trump responding to recent criticism from Chancellor Friedrich Merz by accusing Germany of poor economic and immigration management, while the Pentagon has separately announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from the country.