Berlin, March 30 (QNA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his country's readiness to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

During his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa in Berlin, Merz stated that the best option is to end this war as soon as possible, adding: "When the necessary conditions are met, Germany will, of course, be ready to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

The German Chancellor suggested that this be done within the framework of an international contact group to ensure the best possible coordination among the countries willing to help, including Germany.

Merz had previously rejected Germany's participation in any military operations to secure the Strait as long as the escalation in the Middle East continues.

He warned of the economic consequences of the war, noting that if it expands into a major regional conflict, it could put even greater pressure on Germany and Europe, to a degree similar to what Germany faced during the COVID-19 pandemic or at the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, periods that witnessed a collapse in German economic growth. (QNA)