German opposition leader Friedrich Merz says he has had a “good phone call” with US President Donald Trump shortly after tensions involving Iran and Trump. According to reports, the call was initiated by Merz and is presented as a sign that a recent rift has eased. Merz’s message indicates that both sides broadly align with Washington’s goals relating to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The timing also follows Merz’s public comments in which he expressed admiration for the United States, while noting that it was “not increasing at the moment,” referring to the period of heightened disagreement. The New York Times reports that the call comes after the remarks and characterizes it as positive. Free Malaysia Today similarly describes Merz’s account of the conversation, emphasizing that the two men’s discussions suggest a reduction in friction and a shared approach to the situation involving Israel and Iran. The reports do not provide detailed verbatim dialogue, but both sources characterize the exchange as constructive and suggest continuity in US policy aims in the region.