German Chancellor Merz:

We do not want a division of NATO.

NATO is a guarantor of our security, especially in Europe.

German Chancellor Merz:

Oil prices could rise again compared to February levels.

German Chancellor Merz:

We did not discuss any withdrawal of U.S. soldiers, nor any restriction on the use of military infrastructure maintained by the American armed forces in Germany.

There are stationing agreements in place, and the federal government has no reason to doubt that the American forces have acted within the framework of these agreements in recent weeks.

German Chancellor Merz:

I believe Trump himself did not assume that a country like Iran could be completely wiped out.

In my firm conviction, that would not have happened. It was part of his strategy in dealing with Iran.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Iran negotiations:

It is essential to act with common sense against any known attempts to sabotage the Israeli negotiation process.

In particular, the international community must remain alert to potential acts of sabotage by Israel and be prepared to respond appropriately.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

At this stage, it is clear that Syria must be kept away from the negative repercussions of the crisis in our region.

The intensive diplomatic engagement we have recently carried out with Syria is fundamentally aimed at this objective.

Survivors of the deadly Iranian drone strike in Kuwait are challenging the Pentagon’s version of events, saying their unit “was unprepared” and not properly protected.

One injured soldier rejected the official account, stating: “Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood… the unit was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.”

Troops described being stationed at a lightly protected site despite knowing it was a potential target: “We moved closer to Iran, to a deeply unsafe area that was a known target… I don’t think there was a good reason ever articulated.”

Some believe the attack could have been avoided. “Telling the truth is important… we’re not going to learn from these mistakes if we pretend these mistakes didn’t happen,” one said, adding the strike was “absolutely” preventable.

Source: CBS News

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene:

Trump is mentally unstable.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

The international community must now clearly recognize this reality: as long as Israel’s expansionism continues, it will not be possible to build lasting peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.

Israel must be stopped from imposing its geopolitical ambitions on the region through external interventions.

The Netanyahu government continues to condemn the people of Gaza to famine under the pretext of war, systematically restricts freedom of worship in East Jerusalem, and adds new unlawful measures each day aimed at undermining the two-state solution in the West Bank.

Israel is now extending what it has done in Gaza to Lebanon.

Before the ceasefire framework can even be properly established, ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon — carried out without regard for children or civilians — are causing hundreds of casualties and pushing the region into a deeper humanitarian crisis.

Ending Israel’s occupation in Lebanon and protecting civilians has become an urgent and non-negotiable priority.

Israel Secretly Approves Record West Bank Illegal Settlement

Israel secretly approved 34 new settlements in a classified cabinet decision using the war in Iran as cover, raising total approvals since 2022 to over 100, amid rising settlement violence & displacement.

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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

The ceasefire was declared yesterday, but even before moving on to negotiations, the first problem immediately emerged.

As expected, Israel acted as a spoiler and carried out a large-scale air operation against Lebanon — something that had not happened up until that point — causing the deaths of many civilians.

Now, under the shadow of this provocation by Israel, the negotiations that are supposed to continue will naturally be very difficult.

I would like to remind you that the issues to be discussed are extremely complex.

Many of these topics have already been debated frequently in previous talks between the United States and Iran.

However, even now, we can see that there are still fluctuations and uncertainties, particularly regarding enrichment.

The nuclear issue remains the most heavily debated topic, and even there, differences of opinion may persist.

Trump asked Netanyahu on Wednesday to scale back Israel’s strikes in Lebanon to support Iran negotiations.

Source: NBC News

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Iran negotiations:

Two weeks may not be sufficient to resolve all of this.

If the parties reach an agreement, the ceasefire may be extended for a longer period, allowing negotiations to continue.

NATO's Rutte:

This alliance is not whistling past the graveyard, as you would say in the United States.

Allies recognize, and I recognize, we are in a period of profound change in the Transatlantic Alliance.

NATO's Rutte:

Europe is assuming a greater and fairer share of the task of providing for its conventional defense, and from that there will be no going back, nor should there be.

This is a move from unhealthy codependence to a transatlantic alliance grounded in true partnership.

NATO's Rutte:

When the time came to provide logistical and other support the United States needed in Iran, some allies were a bit slow, to say the least. In fairness, they were also somewhat surprised.

To maintain the element of surprise for the initial strikes, Trump chose not to inform allies in advance, and I understand that.

But what I see across Europe today is that allies are now providing a massive amount of support—logistics, basing, and other measures.

NATO's Rutte:

Nearly without exception, allies are doing everything the United States is asking.

BREAKING: Netanyahu:

Following repeated requests from Lebanon for direct talks, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.

The talks will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel also welcomes the Lebanese prime minister’s call today to demilitarize Beirut.

NATO's Rutte:

I clearly felt Trump’s disappointment; I understand it to a certain extent.

NATO's Rutte:

I know there are those who pleaded to continue the negotiating track, but hey listen, we know what happened with North Korea.

There can be a moment where you've negotiated so long that guess what, North Korea got its hands on the nuclear capability, and then it is too late.

Negotiations with Lebanon will take place under fire, and we are preparing for continued attacks.

Source: N14, citing Israeli officials