NEW : Obama bestows nation 's highest civilian honor on Merkel . Obama warns of possible new sanctions against Iran . ` ` I trust her , '' Obama says of the visiting German chancellor . ' Merkel diplomatically said she has confidence that the United States will deal with its economic issues . " She is a strong leader who has been able to lead Germany through difficult times and she will continue doing so in this important role as president of Germany," he said at an event with Merkel.
NEW : Obama bestows nation 's highest civilian honor on Merkel . Obama warns of possible new sanctions against Iran . ` ` I trust her , '' Obama says of the visiting German chancellor . '" She is a strong leader who has been able to lead Germany through difficult times and she will continue doing so in this important role as president of Germany," he said at an event with Merkel.