Germany urges Iran to uphold ceasefire, ensure safe shipping in Strait of Hormuz

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said late Thursday that he urged Iran to adhere to the ceasefire with the US, engage in constructive negotiations and ensure free and safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on the US social media company X’s platform, Wadephul said he conveyed the message during talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire following mediation by Pakistan. The first round of US-Iran negotiations over a permanent end to the war is slated to begin Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with US Vice President JD Vance leading Washington's delegation.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.