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Germany’s foreign minister on Wednesday praised Türkiye and Egypt for their diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the Iran war, saying the conflict cannot be resolved through military means and must instead be settled through negotiations.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Johann Wadephul said Germany is working with the United States and other international partners to help maintain a ceasefire and advance ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran.
“This conflict cannot be resolved militarily; it must be resolved through negotiations,” Wadephul said, adding that Germany supports all mediation efforts. He highlighted Türkiye and Egypt as being “in a special position to mediate,” expressing gratitude for their role while noting that Berlin is also contributing diplomatically.
Wadephul emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to ensure the ceasefire holds and negotiations continue. Germany remains in close contact with the United States and other allies as part of these efforts, he said.
He added that any agreement to end the war must address concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence that Iran pose no future nuclear threat is “valid.”
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The minister also confirmed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Paris on Friday for discussions focused on the Iran conflict and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks are expected to address both the immediate security situation and broader diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.
Wadephul said Germany is prepared to play a “constructive role” in a post-war scenario, including the potential deployment of the German navy to help secure maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He stressed that control of critical sea lanes by individual states is unacceptable, particularly if it involves imposing customs duties.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz to be controlled by individual states and for customs duties to be levied there,” he said, adding that Germany would push for the restoration of completely free passage.
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