TEHRAN August 10, 2026 — German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on Monday focused on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which a significant share of global oil supplies normally passes.
According to Wadephul, he urged Iran to “finally engage constructively in negotiations with regional neighbours & USA in order to bring the conflict to an end.” He stressed that “the Strait of Hormuz needs to be opened unconditionally ensuring free and safe navigation for all.”
Iranian accounts of the call stated that Araghchi briefed his German counterpart on ongoing consultations with Oman aimed at establishing a safe shipping route through the strait. Araghchi emphasized that insecurity in the waterway stems from U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and that securing the strait requires an end to U.S. “hostile acts,” particularly the naval blockade.
The discussion comes as commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted. Traffic has fallen to a fraction of normal levels amid the broader U.S.-Iran conflict that intensified earlier this year, repeated attacks on vessels, and competing claims over control of the waterway. Iran has been negotiating technical arrangements with Oman on designated routes, while the United States maintains a naval presence enforcing restrictions.
The call reflects continued European diplomatic engagement on the issue. Germany and other European countries have repeatedly called for the restoration of free navigation, citing the impact on global energy markets and the world economy. Iran, for its part, has linked any full reopening to an end to the U.S. blockade and related conditions.
No immediate breakthrough was announced following the conversation. Both sides underscored the value of continued diplomatic contacts.
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