Overview
- The White House talks on March 3 follow U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and a Supreme Court ruling that injected fresh uncertainty into U.S. tariff policy.
- Merz has publicly declined to criticize the strikes, saying Europe’s Iran strategy failed and that this is not the time to lecture allies.
- The chancellor intends to press President Trump to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin and to keep Ukraine support from slipping, according to reporting on his goals.
- Berlin is seeking clear, predictable tariff rules from Washington, with German officials signaling a preference for a de facto 15% ceiling on any new duties.
- European officials warn U.S. attention and munitions could shift to the Middle East, pushing Europe to do more for Kyiv as Germany and France deepen cooperation on deterrence.