German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Iran to end its destabilizing activities in the Middle East and not to expand the conflict in Iraq through armed groups supported by Tehran.
At a joint press conference in Berlin with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Merz said their discussions focused on recent developments in the region, including the consequences of the war between the United States and Iran, as well as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"Tehran's support for its proxies throughout the region must end. We see the consequences every day. We also call on Iran not to further escalate the conflict in Iraq," the German chancellor declared.
Merz also demanded that Iran end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transport corridors, while reiterating the demand for a halt to Tehran's military nuclear program.
The German chancellor said Berlin supports the Iraqi government's efforts to disarm Iranian-backed militias and restore stability to the country. The issue is particularly sensitive for al-Zaidi's government, which is facing resistance from pro-Iranian armed groups to its plan to disarm them.
The focus of the talks was also the situation in the Red Sea, where the Iran-backed Houthis have strengthened their positions along the Yemeni coast and have taken control of the strategic island of Mayyun, near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
"The Houthis now control strategic positions around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and are attacking energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. This further worsens the situation in international energy markets," Merz said.
He warned that the international community cannot allow the Houthis to control maritime transport in the Red Sea, announcing that Germany is holding consultations within the European Union and with regional partners on how it can contribute to ending the conflict.
The situation in the region has escalated significantly in recent days, as attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and insecurity in Hormuz have added to concerns about global oil supplies.
Merz also spoke about the German military presence in Iraq, confirming that the current advisory and training mission will end on September 30, at the request of the Iraqi government.
"This military presence ends on September 30, at the request of Iraq, a decision that we naturally respect," Merz declared, adding that Berlin remains ready to continue military cooperation with Baghdad in other forms, if requested by the Iraqi government.
Al-Zaidi's visit to Berlin is part of his first European tour since taking office and comes at a time when Iraq is struggling to maintain internal stability, while the US-Iran war and the activity of armed groups linked to Tehran are increasingly drawing the region into conflict.
