Germany urges Iran to end Strait of Hormuz blockade

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on Iran to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi in New York. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Wadephul urged Iran to engage constructively in negotiations and release its “stranglehold” on the vital waterway.

Germany, alongside the E3 group (France and the United Kingdom), expressed readiness to support mediation efforts to resolve regional conflicts. Wadephul emphasized that both Iran and its allied militias, such as the Houthi militia in Yemen, must cease attacks on civilian vessels. He stated that Germany expects the immediate restoration of free passage through the Strait and rejected any fees for transit.

Additionally, the German government welcomed a new initiative by US President Donald Trump to seek solutions to the regional impasse in cooperation with Gulf states. Wadephul indicated plans to hold further discussions with representatives from Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Oman to foster movement toward a resolution.