The cancellation follows a public rift between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the Iran conflict, which has strained bilateral relations. Pistorius’s trip, initially part of a North American tour, will now focus solely on Canada, where he aims to discuss military cooperation and a significant submarine contract. The absence of a meeting with Hegseth, who is attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, underscores the current diplomatic impasse, as noted by sources familiar with the situation.