Germany rejects Iranian and Houthi attempts to extort global trade

German Foreign Minister Joachim Faedivol has stated that the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and assaults on freedom of navigation, along with the escalating Russian attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea, represent "serious challenges that can only be addressed if we move beyond traditional frameworks and work together in a unified direction."

Faedivol, speaking before departing Berlin to attend a meeting in Istanbul, said the gathering—an initiative by Germany and Turkey—will bring together the foreign ministers of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, as well as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey. He noted that the participating countries share concerns over the economic and security consequences of these conflicts and are eager to explore new avenues for solutions.

He added that the eight countries will send a clear message rejecting attempts by Iran and the Houthi militia to "extort global trade" and disrupt supplies of energy and fertilizers, calling for an end to attacks on freedom of navigation and neighboring states.

Faedivol also pointed out that the impact of these attacks extends to Europe and the world, affecting trade, energy prices, and supply chains. He warned of the risk of food shortages in poorer countries as a result of targeting grain and fertilizer shipments, and accused Russia of threatening freedom of navigation in the Black Sea through its attacks on grain supplies, further exacerbating global food insecurity.