Merz, Trump Discuss Ukraine War and Gulf Crisis in Phone Call

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump held a phone call in which they discussed the war in Ukraine and the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, according to a spokesman for the German government in Berlin.

The spokesman said the two leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea waterway need to be reopened quickly, underscoring the importance both governments place on securing these critical maritime routes.

Further details of the conversation, including specific commitments or next steps discussed between the two leaders, were not immediately disclosed by the Berlin spokesman.

The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are key global shipping lanes, and disruptions to either route have significant implications for international trade and energy supplies.

Neither the White House nor the German chancellery has released an official transcript or additional statement regarding the call at the time of this report.