In a phone call during Trump’s return from China, Friedrich Merz (CDU) and US Donald Trump agreed on a joint strategy regarding Iran policy. Merz stated that both believe Iran must return to the negotiating table now. They also stressed the importance of opening the Strait of Hormuz and that Tehran should not possess nuclear weapons.
Trump, who concluded his visit to China on Friday, reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had signaled his willingness to assist in opening the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Beijing also pledged not to provide military support to Tehran. Merz expressed optimism about the progress in the discussions.
The phone call took place against a backdrop where Merz had caused confusion in Washington with his comments on Iran policy in recent weeks. He had accused the US of lacking a clear strategy in the Iraq War, which angered Trump. The US President had accused Merz of not knowing what he was talking about.
Additionally, the conversation addressed topics such as a peace solution for Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Merz emphasized the strong partnership between the US and Germany within NATO.
