Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, spoke on Sunday afternoon with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed the situation in Iran, Israel and Ukraine, Merz said.
“We agreed to stay in close contact” Merz added. He said the exchange will continue “soon” but did not provide further details on the topics covered, nor how Trump responded. Reports indicate that the relationship between Trump and NATO allies has worsened, with the president lamenting the partners’ lack of engagement over the Strait of Hormuz.
During the night to Sunday, Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that failure to comply would be met with attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.
