Germany Urges Iran to Return to Negotiations as EU Allies Weigh Maritime Security Moves

30/04/2026

BERLIN, Apr 30: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday called on Iran to immediately return to the negotiating table, warning against what he described as deliberate delays in diplomacy. “Iran must come to the negotiating table and stop playing for time,” Merz said, adding that Germany and its partners were working to end the ongoing blockade “as soon as the conditions are met,” while maintaining close coordination with Washington.

Speaking during a visit to a military training ground, Merz also underscored the importance of a “reliable transatlantic partnership,” stressing unity within NATO amid tensions linked to the Iran conflict and differences with US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said he supports the country’s participation in a US-led freedom-of-navigation mission in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the proposal would be submitted to Lithuania’s defence council for further review, signalling growing European alignment with US maritime security initiatives in the region.