German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump hold phone conversation

On May 15, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation. According to the Chancellor, the call took place while President Trump was returning from China. The leaders discussed the situation in Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine. They reached a consensus that Iran must return to negotiations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons. Additionally, the two leaders discussed finding a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. They also coordinated their positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara. Chancellor Merz emphasized that the United States and Germany remain strong partners within the NATO alliance.