German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) told reporters that he had spoken on the telephone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iran, Israel and Ukraine. Merz added that they had agreed to stay in close contact and that the exchange would be resumed “soon”. He did not give any further details about the topics considered, nor did he indicate how Mr Trump reacted.
In recent weeks the relationship between Trump and NATO allies has deteriorated. The president has criticised the partners’ lack of engagement in the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday night he issued a 48‑hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding that the Strait be opened; otherwise he threatened attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.