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At the 25th Franco-German Council of Ministers in Toulon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged tougher secondary sanctions on countries aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.

In a joint statement, they pledged to step up pressure on Moscow’s war machine, send additional air defence systems to Kyiv, and open a strategic dialogue on nuclear deterrence.

Both leaders questioned Vladimir Putin’s commitment to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, despite President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts, warning the war could continue for months.

Germany has advised its nationals to leave Iran and avoid travel there, warning of possible retaliatory actions from Tehran. The alert follows Berlin’s decision, along with Britain and France, to trigger a 30-day process to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program, according to Reuters.

The German Foreign Ministry said Iranian officials have threatened consequences, raising risks for German citizens and interests in the country. It also noted that the German Embassy in Tehran is operating with limited capacity to provide consular support.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron aim to decide on the future of the Franco-German fighter jet program FCAS by year-end. Merz said the issue would not be discussed in upcoming government consultations but stressed Europe’s need for a new fighter jet, Reuters reported.

The €100bn project faces delays over leadership and work-share disputes, with France’s Dassault seeking dominant control while Germany favors a balanced consortium including Airbus and Indra. The disagreement threatens the start of FCAS’s second phase: developing airworthy demonstrators.

Merz will meet Macron Thursday, with ministers joining talks Friday, according to Reuters.

German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Monday that Berlin will participate in providing security guarantees for Ukraine alongside European partners, emphasizing that any decisions must be led by Kyiv. Speaking in Ukraine’s capital during his first visit, Klingbeil stressed that strengthening the Ukrainian army and boosting domestic arms production are key to deterring Russian attacks, Reuters reported.

He noted that negotiations must begin with a ceasefire and cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to show willingness for serious peace talks. Klingbeil’s remarks come amid US calls for a quick resolution to the conflict, which Kyiv and its allies fear could favor Russian terms.

Russia has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting on August 26 to discuss the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, following the arrest of Ukrainian national Serhii K. in Italy, Xinhua reported.

Germany accuses him of coordinating the sabotage, but he denies involvement and refuses extradition. The blasts severely damaged three Nord Stream lines, including the unused Nord Stream 2.

Russia has called the attack an act of international terrorism and alleged US involvement, while criticizing Germany’s investigation as “protracted and non-transparent.”

Netherlands will send 300 troops and Patriot air defense systems to Poland to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and secure supply routes to Ukraine, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said Wednesday. He stressed the forces will operate only in Poland, not Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.

The announcement came after a suspected Russian drone struck eastern Poland, causing damage but no casualties. Warsaw called it a provocation.

Germany has also deployed Eurofighter jets and troops to Poland and Romania, with some jets responding to Russian air strikes near Ukraine this week, according to Al Jazeera.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday urged stronger pressure on Russia and increased support for Ukraine, saying it was key to securing a “just and lasting peace.”

Speaking in Tokyo, Wadephul stressed that Ukraine must receive firm security guarantees to defend itself even after any ceasefire. His remarks came as President Donald Trump prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders in Washington, following Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, according to Reuters.

On Sunday, Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Zelenskiy to strengthen Kyiv’s position. They backed US discussions on security guarantees but insisted that Ukraine be included in territorial negotiations and that its remaining territory be protected.

Germany has halted arms exports to Israel in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing public pressure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, once a firm Israel ally, said the military campaign is unlikely to meet its goals against Hamas or secure hostages, Reuters reported.

This marks a rare shift in Germany’s long-standing support rooted in Holocaust responsibility, as public opinion turns critical of Israel’s actions. While Germany continues humanitarian aid to Gaza, calls for tougher measures, including sanctions, are rising within the government.

Despite tensions, Germany remains Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, highlighting the complexity of balancing moral concerns with strategic ties, according to Reuters.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday announced a suspension of all military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza, following Israel’s approval of operations to occupy the territory, according to Xinhua.

Merz urged Israel to avoid further moves toward annexing the West Bank and voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. He called on Israel to grant full access for aid deliveries and to take sustained steps to improve conditions for civilians.

Germany’s top court has ruled that police can use spy software to monitor phones and computers only in cases involving serious crimes, Reuters reported.

The court found a 2017 law too broad, warning it could impact people who aren’t under suspicion. It said that surveillance of encrypted chats and devices is a serious intrusion and must be strictly limited.

Investigations into lesser crimes—those carrying a maximum sentence of three years—can no longer involve such monitoring. While parts of the law remain temporarily in effect, they must be revised to meet constitutional standards, according to Reuters.

Israel is moving ahead with plans to build over 4,000 new settlement homes in the West Bank’s E1 area, linking Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem and effectively splitting the West Bank. This move faces strong international criticism, seen as a major blow to the two-state solution, according to Al Jazeera.

The expansion would take more than 1,200 hectares of Palestinian land and restrict access, deepening concerns that Israel aims to fragment Palestinian territories and block a viable Palestinian state. Germany and others have condemned the plan, warning it threatens long-term peace prospects.

The European Commission has suspended planned retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth €93bn, just before they were set to take effect on August 7. The move follows a trade deal between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump, under which the EU will buy more American energy and face a 15 percent tariff on most exports to the US, Xinhua reported.

The decision drew criticism from Germany, with Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil calling the EU’s stance “too weak.” The suspension lasts six months, with the option to reinstate tariffs if commitments aren’t met.

Germany has called the current level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza “very insufficient,” despite a slight increase in deliveries. Following a visit by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the German military carried out its first food airdrops into the territory, where over two million people face severe hunger, according to Firstpost.

Berlin stressed that Israel remains responsible for allowing full aid access, while also expressing concern over reports that Hamas and criminal groups are blocking distribution. UN officials have accused Israeli forces of turning a blind eye to aid theft by criminal networks.

Germany is now weighing options to pressure Israel, including a possible arms delivery freeze, though no decisions have been made, Firstpost reported.

Jordan, Egypt, Germany, the UAE, France, and Spain jointly airdropped humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday. The IDF said 126 packages were delivered, with Germany, France, and Spain joining the effort for the first time, Xinhua reported.

Jordan reported sending 57 tonnes of food and baby formula, bringing the total aid dropped since last week to around 148 tonnes.

Meanwhile, Palestinian agency WAFA said 24 people were killed by Israeli forces the same day, including five reportedly seeking aid, according to Xinhua.

Germany will deliver two more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine as part of a deal with the United States, which will fast-track replacement systems for Berlin. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said launchers will be sent in the coming days, with additional components arriving in the next few months, according to Reuters.

The agreement allows Germany to support Ukraine now without compromising its own defenses, as it will receive upgraded systems funded by Berlin from the U.S. Ukraine’s demand for air defense has grown amid intensified Russian missile strikes.

Germany has already provided three Patriot systems and says its NATO commitments remain unaffected, Reuters reported.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the crisis in Gaza, BBC reported.

He called for a ceasefire, renewed aid access, a halt to West Bank annexations, and commitment to a two-state solution. Starmer said the situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and the chance of peace is fading.

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Trump also voiced concern, warning it could be seen as benefiting Hamas.

The UK faces growing domestic pressure, with over 250 MPs urging immediate recognition. Critics say recognition should not be conditional, while others warn it could backfire, as reported by BBC.

France plans a similar move, but Germany has ruled it out for now. Most countries already recognise Palestine, but sceptics say recognition alone won’t bring peace.