German Chancellor Merz: Iran must come to the negotiating table, stop trying to buy time

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in the capital, Berlin. Merz and Montenegro held a joint press conference before their talks. German Chancellor Merz stated that one of the key topics in his meeting with Montenegro was the recent situation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "We share the same awareness with Portugal regarding the importance of free and secure sea lanes and Iran's blockade of this maritime route. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is harming the economy in both Portugal and Germany. Therefore, we are working together to restore the freedom of navigation as soon as possible."

"Iran must come to the negotiating table, stop trying to buy time"

Reiterating that Germany is ready to take military action to permanently protect the security of sea lanes when the necessary conditions are met, Merz said, "To this end, the first German ship has already set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean. I have argued that if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, we must increase sanction pressure on Iran. Our joint message is this: Iran must come to the negotiating table. It must stop trying to buy time. It should no longer hold the region and the entire world hostage. Its military nuclear program must be ended definitively and permanently, and the attacks on Israel and our partners in the region, as well as the recent attacks on civilian infrastructure, must also be stopped."

"A strong NATO is important for both Europe and the US"

Touching on transatlantic relations, Merz said, "We agree that a strong and united NATO is good for Europe and the US. In these turbulent times, Germany is therefore following a clear transatlantic compass. We are implementing the consensus reached at the Hague Summit quickly and decisively. We are doing this not only for our own interests but for our common interests and out of our deepest conviction. Our allies can count on this. In this context, I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to our friends on both sides of the Atlantic."

Regarding the tensions over the US increasing customs duties on Europe and trade relations, Merz stated, "Above all, we need planning security for the export economy. This long-lasting uncertainty is harming both sides of the Atlantic; it is harming both the US economy and the European economy. Based on last year's consensus, I would very much welcome reaching a binding trade policy agreement as soon as possible, where both sides extend a hand and we can reach a conclusion on this matter."

"We have a common interest in protecting the transatlantic space"

When asked about the US decision to withdraw troops from Germany and not deploy medium-range weapons in Germany, Merz said, "In the new US national security strategy, in addition to new priorities for the US side, a reduction in the number of troops is also envisaged. Fundamentally, the issue is the transatlantic security of both European and American NATO partners. We have a common interest in continuing to protect the transatlantic space, and I believe we will achieve good results on this basis."

"Iran's actions are unacceptable"

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stated that diplomacy must be strengthened in resolving conflicts in the Middle East, saying, "Conflicts cannot be solved by factors that lead to division or fragmentation. The issue is the ability to establish dialogue between the two sides. Of course, we must convince those who make a mistake that they have made this mistake and that perhaps they should reconsider their decisions. Iran's actions are unacceptable, both in terms of its efforts to acquire nuclear capabilities, its impact on international trade, and its incomprehensible attacks."