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Donald Trump held telephonic conversations with Friedrich Merz and Sanae Takaichi while heading back from China on Friday.
US President Donald Trump with Japan PM Sanae Takaichi. (Image: Reuters/File)
Shortly after concluding his visit to China, US President Donald Trump on Friday held separate phone calls with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with discussions focusing on the escalating West Asia crisis involving Iran.
Merz described his conversation with Trump as positive despite recent tensions between Washington and Berlin following Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany.
I had a good phone call with @POTUS Donald Trump on his way back from China. We agree: Iran must come to the negotiating table now. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. (1/2)— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 15, 2026
Had ‘Good Phone Call’ With Trump: Merz
“I had a good phone call with @POTUS (US President) Donald Trump on his way back from China,” Merz wrote on X, adding that they agreed “the US and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO”.
The strain in ties emerged after Merz criticised Iran’s conduct during negotiations with the US, prompting sharp responses from Trump. At the time, Trump accused the German leader of focusing on the wrong issues, saying Merz should spend “less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat, thereby making the World, including Germany, a safer place!”
However, Merz’s latest remarks suggested an easing of tensions. He wrote that “we agree: Iran must come to the negotiating table now. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.”
The two leaders also discussed Ukraine and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara next month.
Trump Briefs Takaichi About His China Visit
The US President also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi about the evolving situation due to the West Asia conflict. In a post on X, she said Trump briefed her on his China visit and that the two leaders exchanged views on economic security, China and Iran.
I recently had a telephone conversation with President Trump. I received a phone call from aboard Air Force One, which was returning from a visit to China. …
— Sanae Takaichi (@takaichi_sanae) May 15, 2026
“Upon completing his visit to China and while en route back aboard Air Force One, I received a call from him. President Trump provided a detailed explanation of his recent visit to China, and we exchanged views, centering on various issues surrounding China, including the economy—encompassing economic security—and security matters,” the Japanese leader tweeted.
Takaichi said she shared Japan’s stance on the ongoing conflict with Trump. She also stated US and Japan would “closely collaborate” to further strengthen the relations.
“Additionally, regarding the situation in Iran, I once again conveyed Japan’s position to President Trump. Moving forward, in order to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and address international situations in areas such as the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, we will continue to closely collaborate with President Trump,” the post further read.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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