German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope on Sunday that leaders at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada can find common ground on four key principles to help resolve the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Merz stressed the need for unity among world powers. He outlined four priorities for the talks: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself against existential threats, avoiding further escalation, and maintaining room for diplomacy.
“We in Germany are also preparing for the possibility of Iranian attacks on Israeli or Jewish sites within our country,” Merz warned, without giving specifics.
The chancellor also highlighted the war in Ukraine as a central topic. He said European leaders aim to agree on new sanctions against Russia by the end of the month to increase pressure on Moscow to return to peace talks.
Additionally, Merz said economic discussions will focus on easing trade tensions, particularly in light of tariffs imposed earlier this year by the Trump administration on key U.S. allies.
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