Overview
- Merz said Sunday he spoke by phone with President Donald Trump about the situations in Iran, Israel and Ukraine.
- He reported that both agreed to remain in close contact and to resume their exchange soon.
- In a government statement earlier in the week, Merz said Germany would have advised against the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.
- He voiced skepticism about U.S. and Israeli war aims and emphasized preventing the conflict from straining the transatlantic partnership.
- Merz acknowledged Friday that Trump is not pleased with him, with reporting noting U.S. frustration over NATO partners’ reluctance to join a Strait of Hormuz security mission.