German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says it would be “desirable” to have US participation in any possible mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reports.

Speaking alongside leaders from the UK, France and Italy after a meeting in Paris, Merz says Germany will “take part in the further military planning discussions that are taking place, and we would also welcome, if possible, the participation of the United States of America”.

“Soaring energy prices must come down again as quickly as possible, and this war must not become a transatlantic stress test,” Merz adds.

He further says that a German contribution to an international mission in the Strait of Hormuz “may, once hostilities have ceased, involve the deployment of the Bundeswehr (German military)”.

But he has stressed the need for “a secure legal basis for this, for example in the form of a Security Council resolution” before Berlin can take part.

German forces could eventually help with “mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance,” Merz says.