Friedrich Merz spoke to Trump to convince him that the Gulf war is not NATO's: “I think he understood”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his skepticism on Friday that the United States and Israel have a clear strategy to end the war in Iran, but said that Germany would, in principle, be prepared to help stabilize the region after the end of hostilities, reports Reuters, taken by Agerpres.

Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Tehran has launched attacks against Israel, US bases and Gulf states, while blocking Middle Eastern fuel exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

European nations have been reluctant to get involved in the conflict, which has angered US President Donald Trump who has said NATO countries have done nothing to help the United States.

“I'm just not convinced that what's happening now – what Israel and America are doing – will actually lead to success,” Merz said at a conference hosted by the FAZ newspaper.

“Limited success” with Israel

Berlin is involved in diplomatic efforts to find solutions, either through discussions with the Gulf states or within the G7, with Washington demonstrating some efforts to find common ground, according to the German chancellor. “We are trying to influence Israel, with limited success, I admit,” he added.

Merz said he tried to explain to Trump in a recent phone call that this is not NATO's war, adding, “I think he got that.”

Germany could help secure the Strait of Hormuz in the future, for example by demining, provided there is an international mandate and the approval of the German parliament.

But the chancellor stressed that this was a long way off and was not an option as long as the war continued.