Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen agree on a joint stance on Iran, while setting an ultimatum of tariffs with a deadline and a warning of increases.
At a particularly critical juncture for transatlantic relations, the US and European Union appear to be trying a simultaneous de-escalation in geopolitical and trade tensions, following a telephone conversation between Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen. The two sides appear to be strategically aligned against Iran, maintaining a common position of deterrence, while at the same time the tariffs issue is being put with particular weight on the table, with the US president warning of significant increases if no trade deal is reached within a specific timeframe.
Specifically, US President Donald Trump said he had an “excellent phone call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which a number of international issues were discussed.
According to Trump, the two sides appeared “absolutely united”on the position that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons. At the same time, the US president said it was agreed to allow time until the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States to reach an agreement on tariffs, warning that otherwise US tariffs will immediately rise to much higher levels.
