Berlin: Germany and France called on Iran on Friday to immediately halt attacks on US and allied targets in the region and return to diplomacy, warning that further military escalation would jeopardize a political solution. The appeal came after a joint defense and security council meeting chaired by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to Anadolu Agency, Germany and France issued a joint statement urging Iran to refrain from endangering further negotiations through military escalations or activities. The two countries reaffirmed their strong support for last month's memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan and Qatar. They highlighted the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without fees or restrictions, emphasizing its significance as a critical global oil chokepoint.

In their statement, Germany and France expressed their readiness to support the Multinational Military Mission in the Strait of Hormuz, led by France and the United Kingdom. They indicated that they are prepared with pre-deployed assets to participate as soon as conditions allow, suggesting that this mission could play a vital role in reassuring the shipping industry and reopening the Strait through measures such as verification of demining.