Japanese, German leaders call for 'early settlement' in Middle East

ISTANBUL

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed in a phone call on Thursday to work toward an early resolution of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During the conversation, Takaichi condemned Iran’s actions in the region, saying they targeted diplomatic and civilian facilities, including energy infrastructure, and caused civilian casualties, according to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

The crisis escalated after the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, killing 926 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 165 schoolgirls.

The Japanese statement did not mention whether the two leaders discussed the ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Tehran has since carried out retaliatory strikes targeting US-linked bases in the Gulf region, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The conflict has heightened uncertainty in global markets, raising concerns that a prolonged war could disrupt trade routes and fuel inflation.

US President Donald Trump has said the operations could last four to five weeks, but may continue longer if necessary.

Takaichi and Merz also discussed the impact of export controls on critical minerals and other materials essential for global supply chains, confirming cooperation on economic security, the Japanese statement said.