Berlin, 3 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, three days after the start of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Merz's second visit to the White House since taking office 10 months ago had been planned well in advance, but the war in the Middle East is now likely to dominate the meeting in the Oval Office.

Like the US' other European NATO allies, Germany is not involved in the attacks on Iran.

On Sunday, Merz pointed out the risks of the war spreading and expressed doubts as to whether a change of power in Tehran could be brought about in this way.

However, he also expressed understanding for the military action and refrained from criticizing it.

After talks in the morning, Merz is scheduled to have lunch with Trump.

Originally, the main topics of discussion were expected to be the customs dispute with the US, the Russian war against Ukraine, and the countries' policy towards China - all of which may still be addressed.

The chancellor's first visit to Washington at the beginning of June 2025 - unlike visits by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or South African President Cyril Ramaphosa - was harmonious.

Trump called Merz a "good man" and promised the US would have a "great relationship" with Germany.

Photo: MIA archive