Germany's Merz says Ankara NATO summit will tackle Middle East, Iran deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Wednesday that next week's NATO summit in Ankara will address the alliance's strategic future alongside pressing developments in the Middle East, including ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Summit agenda

Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a joint news conference in Berlin, Merz said the gathering of heads of state and government would focus on the alliance's future, transatlantic cooperation, and sustained support for Ukraine alongside regional developments. "The NATO summit will also address the future of the Middle East," Merz told reporters. "We continue to help achieve lasting peace between the United States and Iran. Our shared goal remains the same: an end to Iran's nuclear program and the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz."

Reconstruction funding

Asked whether Berlin would contribute to the $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran outlined in last month's US-Iran framework peace deal, Merz signaled openness contingent on a sustained ceasefire. "We are now hoping for an end to hostilities and the conclusion of an agreement that goes beyond the existing memorandum of understanding," he said. "Once the focus shifts to rebuilding the region's destroyed infrastructure, everything is open for discussion. But first and foremost, the fighting must stop."

Economic interests

Merz added that Germany would certainly play its part in restoring the region's energy infrastructure to ensure secure supply for Europe, driven also by Berlin's own economic interests. The NATO summit is scheduled to convene in Ankara next week with heads of state from across the alliance expected to attend.