Germany's Merz urges Iran to negotiate, open Strait of Hormuz

Published May 15, 2026 Updated May 15, 2026 05:16pm

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he had a good phone call with US President Donald Trump after his China trip and that both agreed Iran must return to the negotiating table, open the Strait of Hormuz and must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons, Reuters reports.

Merz said in posts on X that he and Trump also discussed a peaceful solution for Ukraine and coordinated their positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, adding that the United States and Germany were strong partners in a strong NATO.

Opinion

Editorial

Growth below target
15 May, 2026

Growth below target

Pakistan lacks the export-oriented industrial expansion that has driven sustained high growth in other economies.
Limited openings
15 May, 2026

Limited openings

FOR years, even the smallest suggestion of engagement with Pakistan would trigger outrage in India’s political...
Meetings denied
15 May, 2026

Meetings denied

FORMER prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, continue to be held incommunicado inside Adiala Jail....
Trump in Beijing
Updated 14 May, 2026

Trump in Beijing

China is no longer just a rising economic power.
Growing numbers
14 May, 2026

Growing numbers

FORWARD-looking nations do not just celebrate their advantages; they turn them into tangible gains. They also ...
No culling
14 May, 2026

No culling

CRUELTY implies an administrative failure to adopt humane solutions. Despite the Lahore High Court’s orders to use...