Berlin urged Washington and Tehran to stop escalating and said Germany, France and the UK are ready to join demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany's foreign minister said the time has come for genuine negotiations between Iran and the United States, while urging both sides to halt further escalation. Germany and other countries led by France and the UK are prepared to take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, he said. He added that global oil inventories are not yet at a dangerous level, but a suitable environment is needed to remove mines from the waterway and an agreement must be reached with Iran and Oman. The remarks point to efforts by European powers to lower tensions around one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.