US and Iran Hold Indirect Talks with Plans for Meeting

Regional Asian and European coverage focuses on Europe’s uncertain and divided response to the war in Iran. Commentators highlight Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s doubts about the war’s aims and the warning that Europe’s handling of the conflict could become its “darkest hour.” Reporting stresses that European leaders are caught between alliance ties to the United States and public unease over another large‑scale Middle East conflict.

• •European leaders are struggling to agree on a clear line toward the US‑Israeli war in Iran.
• •Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly questioned whether the war’s stated aims are realistic.
• •Some European commentators warn that backing the war could badly damage Europe’s moral standing.
• •Asian outlets describe Europe as pressured by Washington but facing domestic criticism over civilian suffering in Iran.
• •European hesitation is seen as weakening the continent’s influence over any eventual peace talks with Iran.