German Foreign Minister says Iran war needs diplomatic solution

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urges urgent diplomacy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that continued disruptions could threaten global food security. He stressed de-escalation while reaffirming Ukraine as Germany’s top security priority.

Reuters

March 17, 2026

German Foreign Minister says Iran war needs diplomatic solution

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul attends a press conference after the meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (not pictured) in Ankara, Turkey, March 12, 2026.

Turkish Foreign Ministry/Reuters

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned on Tuesday (March 17) that continued disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have devastating consequences for global food security. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin alongside his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis, Wadephul said the strategic waterway must be made navigable again as soon as possible. The Foreign Minister stressed the need for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, repeating Germany's position to not participate in the war in a military capacity. Wadephul also emphasized that despite the Middle East crisis demanding immediate attention, Ukraine remains Germany's "absolute security priority," noting that Russia benefits from higher oil and gas prices that fill its war coffers.

Production: Oliver Barth, Marco Ohmer, Laura Urraca-Makuch/Reuters