German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday criticized the US decision to ease sanctions on Russia, saying such steps are wrong despite rising oil prices linked to the Iran war.

Speaking on his visit to Andoya spaceport in Norway, Merz said lifting restrictions now would send the wrong signal. "Now is not the time to ease sanctions, for whatever reason," he said.

What did Merz say about the US decision?

Mery said the topic had been explored and discussed with US President Donald Trump at this week's meeting of G7 heads of state and government.

"Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear view that this is not the right signal to send. We learned this morning that the US government has apparently decided otherwise."

"Once again, we believe this is the wrong decision. There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what additional motives led the US government to make this decision."

Merz, who discussed support for Ukraine in its war against Russia with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, said Moscow continues to show no willingness to negotiate and that pressure on the Kremlin must increase.

Germany and its allies will continue backing Ukraine, Merz added, saying the Iran conflict will not distract from that effort.

The comments followed a US Treasury decision to grant a temporary license allowing the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products until April 11. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measure aims to expand global supply amid rising energy prices.

Germany 'not part of this war'

Merz also ruled out Germany becoming involved in a potential international military campaign to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that concerns about Washington’s strategy on how to end the war "haven't really been answered."

"Let me make this very clear once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not want to become part of it," Merz stressed.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar