“Iran’s blockade of this sea route, the Strait of Hormuz, is hurting our economy”, said Chancellor Merz at a press conference during a visit by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to Berlin.

The German government is therefore committed to restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible. The Chancellor stated that, once the necessary conditions are in place, “Germany stands ready to use military force if necessary to ensure the long-term preservation of freedom of navigation.” To this end, a first German ship is already en route to the eastern Mediterranean, where it will be stationed.

Strait of Hormuz

Germany’s participation in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, the Chancellor said, is dependent on three prerequisites: “The war must be over; there must be a legal basis and a mandate from the Bundestag; and finally, there must be a viable overall political and military strategy before such a step can be taken.”

Iran’s nuclear program must come to an end

Speaking at a meeting of EU leaders in Cyprus, the Chancellor called for increased sanctions pressure on Tehran if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked: “Iran must come to the negotiating table. It must stop stalling.” The military nuclear program “must be ended once and for all, and there must be no further attacks against Israel and our partners in the region”, the Chancellor emphasised.

Chancellor condemns attacks on the United Arab Emirates

“The United Arab Emirates has once again fallen victim to Iranian drone and missile attacks. We strongly condemn these attacks. Our solidarity goes out to the people of the United Arab Emirates and our partners in the region”, the Chancellor made clear on X, emphasizing that Tehran must stop holding the region and the world hostage. “Tehran must not be allowed to build a nuclear weapon.”

Committed to peace and security

Germany remains committed to peace and security in the region. “We have seen the first glimmer of hope at diplomatic level”, said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, commenting on the ceasefire agreed by the USA and Iran. He said that the Federal Government was grateful to Pakistan for negotiating this important agreement, adding that Germany was prepared to accept responsibility and to secure peace.

Securing a ceasefire on all sides

A lasting end to the war can only be achieved through diplomacy, Merz affirmed, noting that Germany supports the efforts being made and remains in close contact with the USA and other partners.

Moreover, Germany has joined its European and international partners as well as the European Commission and the European Council in issuing a joint statement “strongly urging rapid progress towards a substantive negotiated solution” – to protect the civilian population in Iran, ensure security in the region and also avert a severe global energy crisis. “We call on all parties to implement the ceasefire”, the statement reads.

The Iranian people should also be able to take their destiny into their own hands

For years and decades, according to Merz, the Iranian regime has spread terror across the world and destabilised its neighbourhood. Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised this most recently in his policy statement on 18 March: “This regime bears responsibility for the current regional crisis.”
The Federal Government, he said, shares with Israel and the United States the objective that Iran should no longer be able to pose a threat in the future, either to Israel or to neighbouring countries in the region. The Chancellor expressed his wish for the Iranian people “to be able to take their destiny into their own hands and to bring about a legitimate government through democratic elections”.

Federal Government wants transatlantic partnership

In the government’s policy statement, the Federal Chancellor also emphasised that he did not want this war to become a burden on the transatlantic partnership. “We want this partnership and we need it.” The Federal Government is maintaining a dialogue with Washington at all levels. “We are looking for transatlantic alignment.”

Chancellor Merz has always made one thing clear: “We share important goals with the US, but we must not and will not shy away from telling our partners honestly where we see things differently and where we have other interests. A partnership like ours has to be able to withstand that; otherwise it’s not a partnership.”

Germany’s commitment 

Germany is not idle, said the Chancellor in a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on 16 March. On the contrary: Germany will maintain its presence on the eastern and northern flanks of NATO. “We are doing that, we are doing it with full conviction and we are also following up”, said Federal Chancellor Merz. There are currently 1,600 German soldiers taking part in the NATO Cold Response exercises in the far north.
This also takes into account the strategic insight that the wars in Iran and Ukraine are linked. “Russia will use every opportunity to test NATO and weaken Ukraine”, said the Chancellor. 

Preventing uncontrolled migration movements

In view of the situation in the Middle East, the EU is prepared to “fully mobilise its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial instruments to prevent uncontrolled migration flows into the EU and to safeguard security in Europe”, according to the European Council conclusions of 19 March. The security and control of the EU’s external borders will be further strengthened. The European Council emphasises the importance of working with partners in the region to ensure they receive the help and support they need.

Impact on the economy 

The Federal Government is also working to minimise the impact of the war on the economy. From now on, it will only be possible to increase fuel prices once a day. In addition, oil reserves were released within the framework of the International Energy Agency. “We will now also try to stabilise supply on the market and we will keep a close eye on price developments”, said the Chancellor after the European Council.