Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) engaged in telephone conversations with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a statement released Friday by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
The discussions centered on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Chancellor Merz reportedly emphasized the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, including German citizens. He suggested that the period following the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran presented a favourable window for progress.
Merz also expressed his gratitude to the Emir of Qatar for his “valuable mediation” efforts. He underscored the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, insisting that such aid must reach them in a safe and dignified manner.
The Chancellor unequivocally condemned the recent Iranian military strikes against Israel, Qatar and other nations. He voiced solidarity with Israel and the Gulf states, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and calling for a negotiated resolution to the issue.
Furthermore, Chancellor Merz deemed Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) as unacceptable. Kornelius stated that Germany, France and Great Britain intend to coordinate their actions closely regarding this matter, in consultation with the United States and regional partners.