Merkel calls Rouhani, condemns missile strike on Israel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office says she has condemned an Iranian rocket barrage on Israeli positions in the Golan Heights in a phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

She also reaffirmed European powers’ continued support for the Iran nuclear deal.

Merkel’s office says the two leaders spoke Thursday. It says in a statement that Merkel underlined the support of Germany, France, and Britain for the nuclear deal so long as Tehran continues to fulfill its obligations under that agreement. Merkel advocated opening talks with Iran on its ballistic missile programs and its activities in countries such as Syria and Yemen.

The statement says Merkel condemned the overnight attacks on Israeli positions “and called on Iran to contribute to de-escalation in the region.” It didn’t say how Rouhani responded.

— AP