Friedrich Merz & Dan Caine

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, has become a target of Donald Trump's anger for refusing to back the war in Iran or contribute to a peacekeeping force in the Strait of Hormuz.

Dan Caine: General Dan Caine, chairman of the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, affirmed that American forces are 'ready to resume major combat operations at literally a moment's notice' and would use force to enforce the blockade.

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, implored Iran to return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage.

Dan Caine: General Dan Caine, from US Central Command, stated that US forces are ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered.

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, called on the US and Iran to resume talks and favored a negotiated settlement, condemning Iranian attacks on Arab neighbors.

Dan Caine: Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided military details and justifications for the strikes, including the use of B-2 stealth bombers and cyber technologies.

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, as German Chancellor, implored Iran to return to negotiations, reflecting international pressure on Tehran.

Dan Caine: Dan Caine, the US military's top officer, stated that Iran's renewed attacks had not reached the threshold of 'major combat operations' and that US forces are ready to resume major combat operations if ordered.

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, urged Iran to return to talks, reflecting European concerns about the conflict.

Dan Caine: Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed US forces were ready to resume combat operations if ordered, but noted Iranian attacks were below the threshold for restarting major combat.