„We are trying to influence Israel, with limited success, I admit,“ he added.

Merz said he had sought in a recent phone call with Trump to explain that this is not NATO‘s war, adding, „I think he understood this.“

Germany could in future help to secure the Strait of Hormuz, for example with mine clearance, provided there were an international mandate and approval from the German parliament.

But the chancellor stressed that this was a long way off and not an option as long as the war continued.