Negotiations between the USA and Iran

The German government welcomes discussions and meetings aimed at de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Serious and timely negotiations are the best chance for long-term and sustainable stability in the region. Germany stands ready to support such a process.

Meanwhile, the federal government is committed to a free, safe, and reliable shipping industry. With regard to the situation, for example, in the Strait of Hormuz, the government is pursuingChancellor Merzclearly: "Any form of naval blockade is unacceptable." The attacks not only threatened the freedom of navigation, but also threatened to further undermine regional stability.

Central trade routes: Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab

Also with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali Al-Zaidi, theFederal Chancellorhas long discussed the Strait of Hormuz and the role of Iran. "Iran must finally end this blockade. It must above all stop its military nuclear program. Iran's support for proxies throughout the region must cease. We see the consequences every day."

Men also watch with concern the developments in the Red Sea, said the German Chancellor during the reception of the Iraqi Prime Minister: "The Houthis now control strategic positions around Bab al-Mandab. They are attacking energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. This further exacerbates the situation on the energy markets, and this also affects Germany."

The international community cannot allow the Houthis to now take control of shipping in the Red Sea as hostages. "We are consulting in the European Union and with partners in the region, including you, to determine what contribution we can make together to end this conflict."

Free, safe, and predictable shipping

Free, safe, and predictable shipping through the Strait of Hormus and worldwide, as well as the solution of current wars and conflicts, is essential for sustainable growth. This was agreed upon by theGerman government together with its partners In a concluding statement at the G20 Finance Ministers meeting in the USA on September 1, 2026, the German Chancellor reaffirmed.

Already at theNATO summit in AnkaraAt the beginning of July, the German Chancellor had stated that a durable and lasting agreement with Iran must now be reached, which permanently opens the Strait of Hormuz without tariffs or fees – and above all, a deal on Iran's nuclear program must be reached. He had also said this to US President DonaldTrumpsaid: "We should nevertheless do everything, including us, to reach an agreement with Iran that is beneficial and that, in particular, ensures the cessation of arms in the region."

The heads of state and government of the E5emphasized in ajoint declarationthat Iran should never possess nuclear weapons and made it clear that "the unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of utmost importance."

Contribution to a process of securing

TheE5also confirmed their commitment to "participating in the multinational military mission led by France and the United Kingdom, in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements and as soon as the situation allows". This could play an important role in restoring trust for the shipping industry and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including through the removal of mines.

For a German contribution to a process of securing the Strait of Hormuz, there is – that had theThe Chancellor consistently emphasizes– three prerequisites: "The war must be over. There must be a legal basis and a parliamentary mandate. Finally, there must be a viable political and military overall concept."

Lebanon

"In Lebanon, we support the efforts of the Lebanese leadership to disarm Hezbollah and establish state control over weapons, as well as to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon with appropriate international security guarantees," said the G7 heads of state and government in the statement.

Especially regarding the situation in Lebanonphoned Chancellor Merzalso on July 9 withthe Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran does not possess nuclear weapons

Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. This position of the German government is also clear. Together with France, Great Britain and Italy, it declared: "We are ready to cooperate with the USA, Iran and the IAEA on this. We will lift corresponding sanctions if Iran takes clear and verifiable steps regarding its nuclear program."

Relief in fuel prices

The federal government is working to mitigate the impact of the war on the economy. In the future, fuel prices may only be increased once a day. In addition, the federal government is providing relief to citizens, businesses, and the economy with the fuel price relief law.Fuel pricesin the future, may only be increased once a day.Fuel price relief lawThe tax reduction applies from October 1st until the end of 2026.

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

Over years and decades, the Iranian regime has terrorized the world and destabilized the neighborhood. This is what German Chancellor Merz said in his speech.Government declaration on March 18clearly. "This regime is responsible for the current crisis in the region," said the Chancellor.

The German government shares the goal with Israel and the United States that Iran will no longer be a threat, neither to Israel nor to neighboring states in the region. The Chancellor wishes the Iranian people, "that they can and should take control of their own destiny and also establish a legitimate government through democratic elections."

Uncontrolled migration movements prevented

With regard to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, the EU is ready to "mobilize all its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial instruments to prevent uncontrolled migration movements into the EU and to ensure security in Europe," according to theConclusions of the European Council from March 19. The security and control of the EU's external borders will be further strengthened. The European Council emphasizes the importance of cooperating with partners in the region to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance and support.