German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has welcomed the agreement on a ceasefire in the Iran conflict. "The goal must now be to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict in the coming days," he stated on Wednesday. "This can only be achieved through diplomatic means." The Chancellor also announced Germany's contribution to securing the Strait of Hormuz, though the extent of possible Bundeswehr participation remained unspecified.
Further negotiations on the Iran conflict serve "to protect the Iranian civilian population and security in the region," Merz explained. They could also "avert a severe global energy crisis." The federal government supports diplomatic efforts and is in consultation with the United States and other partners regarding this matter.
Shortly before a US ultimatum to Iran expired, President Donald Trump announced a "mutual ceasefire" on Tuesday evening. In return, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for an initial two-week period. Previously, Trump had threatened Iran with massive attacks on bridges and power plants, and most recently even with the annihilation of its "entire civilization."
Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) also welcomed the ceasefire. "Finally some good news in politics," he declared on the online service X. The agreement must be "the crucial first step on the path toward lasting peace." He simultaneously warned of unforeseeable consequences if the conflict continues.
Like Merz, Wadephul thanked all parties who supported the agreement, "especially Pakistan." Germany will "support the path of diplomacy with all its strength," the CDU politician announced. The ceasefire agreement also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Association of German Shipowners (VDR) welcomed this as an "important and hopeful signal, especially for the thousands of seafarers who have been stuck in the region under great uncertainty for weeks."
Chancellor Merz announced that Germany will contribute "in an appropriate manner" to ensuring free shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran must not continue to threaten international maritime traffic, said Deputy Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille in Berlin. However, he would not elaborate on exactly how and when the federal government could contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz.
The government must now proceed "step by step," Hille emphasized. The federal government will then assess the situation depending on the development of the announced negotiations. At the same time, Germany remains in dialogue with all important actors.
The Chancellor's statements drew sharp criticism from the Left Party. Instead of "insisting on compliance with international law, Merz is now additionally fueling uncertainty among the German population with nebulous hints," said parliamentary group leader Sören Pellmann to the AFP news agency. "If he intends to announce a Bundeswehr deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, it would be the exact opposite of de-escalation."
In view of Trump's "war-criminal threats" to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran, "all US military bases in Germany must be closed now more urgently than ever," Pellmann demanded. "We must not wait for the case where no deal is reached and Trump carries out his threats."
SPD Parliamentary Managing Director Dirk Wiese sees "a big question mark" regarding the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement. What the US President is doing in the conflict is "completely planless and headless." Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour reacted with disillusionment. "The current result is only a breathing space, not stability or even an improvement of the situation," said the Green politician, who was born in Tehran, to the newspapers of the Funke Media Group. It is completely unclear whether peace can be achieved.
Nouripour sees a bleak future for the Iranian population. "The worst thing for the people in Iran is about to happen: being left alone in a bombed-out country with this murderous regime," he said. A wave of executions in Iran is "already visibly emerging."
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