Berlin, Germany – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he had spoken by phone with Donald Trump during the latter’s return from China to Washington. He also indicated that both sides agreed on the need to bring Iran to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
In a post on the X platform, Merz explained that he and Trump agreed that “Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.” He also emphasized the necessity of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This comes amid escalating regional tensions related to Iran’s nuclear program.
US-German coordination
The German Chancellor noted that the call also addressed ways to reach a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, it touched upon coordinating common positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Mertz’s remarks come as international diplomatic efforts continue regarding the Iranian nuclear issue. They also come amid reports of regional and international mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and bring the parties back to the negotiating table.
Fears of regional escalation
The Iranian nuclear issue has witnessed increasing tension recently, particularly due to Western concerns about Tehran’s potential development of nuclear weapons capabilities. Simultaneously, threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transit route, are escalating.
Western powers are seeking to intensify political and diplomatic pressure on Iran to resume nuclear negotiations. They also aim to reach new understandings that would reduce tensions in the region.
