German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke to the German press during the G7 Summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Merz stated that US President Donald Trump informed them about the agreement made with Iran at the summit, and as G7 partners, they clearly welcomed this agreement.
He described the deal as a significant opportunity for regional stability and the recovery of the global economy. He noted that developments in stock markets and oil prices also reflected this.
The German Chancellor emphasized the need to move very quickly to the second phase of negotiations. Merz also said that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened as soon as possible without any restrictions.
He added that Iran’s nuclear program must be ended in a verifiable manner. He reiterated that the peace achieved should be lasting and also apply to Lebanon.
Merz conveyed that he pledged to Trump their desire to contribute to establishing peace. He mentioned that when appropriate conditions are met, providing military assistance to ensure permanent navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz is included. Merz also noted that the first mine-clearing ships have been sent to the region.
He said they are prepared for this but that no decisions have yet been made at the government or parliamentary level. He explained that the legal basis also needs to be clarified.
Merz said the war in Ukraine was also intensively discussed at the G7 Summit, and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the talks.
He argued that Russia cannot win this war militarily and that the Russian economy is struggling under the burden of the war and sanctions. He suggested this could present an opportunity for peace, which the G7 partners want to seize together.
Merz stated that support for Kyiv will continue and that pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table will be increased. He said he discussed this matter in detail with Trump.
He also conveyed to Trump the steps the European Union plans to take in the coming days and said he sees the American leader as open to cooperation. Merz expressed optimism that Europeans and Americans will do everything to end this war together.
