US President Donald Trump hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Tuesday (3 March), with discussions centred on the Iran conflict, Ukraine and a prospective trade agreement.

Speaking in the Oval Office, President Trump said Iran’s naval, air and radar capabilities had been “knocked out” following joint US–Israeli military action. He claimed Tehran had been preparing to strike first during negotiations.

Chancellor Merz said Berlin and Washington were “on the same page” regarding the Iranian government and stressed the need to plan for a post-conflict transition.

He also highlighted the economic impact of the war, citing rising oil and gas prices, and called for an end to hostilities.

With the Iran conflict dominating headlines, peace efforts in the Ukraine war continue, with US‑mediated talks aiming to pursue a ceasefire framework. At the same time, US–Germany trade discussions reflect ongoing negotiations to strengthen transatlantic economic cooperation amid broader uncertainty.  

ℹ️ The White House

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, left, meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 3. Photographer: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
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