German government: The Strait of Hormuz must remain permanently open without restrictions

The German government issued a statement on the 23rd saying the Strait of Hormuz must remain permanently and reliably clear and passable, with no restrictions imposed and no tolls collected. Currently, both the United States and Iran have announced blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the German government’s statement is mainly aimed at Iran, saying that if the US and Iran can reach a comprehensive agreement, Germany will coordinate closely with its partners to gradually ease the existing restrictive measures against Iran. If Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, Germany is prepared to consider imposing further sanctions on it. The statement said that once hostilities between the US and Iran are permanently brought to an end, the German government, together with its partners, will contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and by following domestic procedures. The statement also said that the German government will continue to work through diplomatic channels to strive for a permanent end to the fighting in southern Lebanon. ( Xinhua News Agency )