German chancellor urges Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, halt proxy support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz and cease supporting its proxies and spreading conflict to other regions.

Merz also voiced his country's concern over the situation in the Red Sea, adding: "We will not allow navigation to be held hostage by the Houthis."

His remarks come after repeated attempts by Iran-backed Houthi militias to threaten maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, endangering global trade.