German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Iran’s leadership to return to negotiations after Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates.
“Tehran must return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must end,” Merz wrote on X.
“Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. There must be no further threats or attacks against our partners.”
They were the first Iranian attacks on the Gulf state since a ceasefire began almost four weeks ago. Iran’s military described the attack on oil facilities in the port city of Fujairah as a response to US military “adventurism.”
Merz wrote: “We strongly condemn these attacks. Our solidarity is with the people of the United Arab Emirates and our partners in the region.”
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The UAE Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted a total of 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones. Air defence systems were heard across several regions and residents were urged to seek shelter.
Talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have so far failed to produce results. A ceasefire agreed on April 8 now appears increasingly fragile.
