rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Iran to stop destabilizing the region following a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.
The two leaders discussed recent attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces, the Middle East situation and efforts to end the regional conflict, German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said.
Merz strongly condemned the latest attacks, stressing that they must cease immediately, according to Kornelius.
The chancellor also called for the immediate lifting of maritime blockades imposed by Iran and the Houthis in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
“Iran must finally engage in serious negotiations and stop destabilizing the region,” Kornelius quoted Merz as saying.
Merz further urged Tehran to ensure the permanent and unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and halt its military nuclear programme.
The discussions also covered the conflict’s impact on energy prices in Germany and possible measures to stabilize them, the spokesman added.
The conversation underscored shared concerns over regional security, uninterrupted maritime trade routes and the wider economic consequences of escalating tensions across the Middle East.
