German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said late Thursday that he had urged Iran to adhere to its ceasefire with the United States, engage in constructive negotiations and guarantee safe maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Wadephul said he delivered the message during a call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.
The appeal comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Washington and Tehran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire following mediation by Pakistan. The first round of talks aimed at reaching a lasting settlement is expected to begin on Saturday in Islamabad, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation.
Regional tensions have surged since Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran. The escalation has resulted in thousands of casualties, including the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has since responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets. It has also imposed restrictions on shipping movements through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
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