German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to reduce tensions and pave the way for a return to negotiations with the United States. In a joint statement issued after a meeting of the two countries’ Defence and Security Council, Germany and France warned that Iran should not jeopardise diplomatic efforts through escalating tensions or military activities. “We urge Iran to refrain from endangering negotiations by escalating tensions or taking military actions,” the statement said. The leaders of Germany and France also stressed the need for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation through the strategically important waterway. The call comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with both sides carrying out heavy retaliatory strikes against each other’s positions in recent days. Reports say the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has conducted operations in parts of southern Iran over the past several nights, while Iranian forces have targeted multiple locations in several countries across the region.
