Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met in Berlin and called for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to return to normal. Following the meeting, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the establishment of a strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers’ level.
Calls made for maritime traffic to continue through Hormuz
The two ministers assessed regional developments and emphasized the need to ensure the security and safety of international waterways. They also highlighted the importance of safeguarding freedom of maritime navigation.
Faisal bin Farhan and Johann Wadephul said that restoring the normal operation of the Strait of Hormuz would strengthen regional security and stability and contribute to the uninterrupted continuation of international trade flows.
New consultation mechanism between the two countries
The memorandum of understanding provides for the creation of a strategic dialogue mechanism at the foreign ministers’ level. The mechanism is intended to increase consultation and coordination in various areas and contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Timeline of the crisis in the strait
Following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also carried out attacks on Israel as well as bases and positions in the region that it said belonged to the United States.
The Islamabad Memorandum signed between Washington and Tehran on June 17, 2026, provided for a halt to military operations and arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. The US administration sent the text of the agreement to Congress the following day.
However, implementation of the memorandum and disputes over maritime traffic in the strait later caused the agreement to falter, and fighting resumed in July.
