In a telephone conversation, Merz also voiced “grave concern” over developments in the Palestinian territories and stressed that there must be no “de facto partial annexation” of the West Bank, according to a government spokesperson.

The call comes amid escalating tensions following the conflict launched on February 28 by Israel and the United States against Iran, which has increasingly threatened to expand into a broader regional war. German officials said Merz reiterated Berlin’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing an understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Merz, who had initially backed the U.S.-Israeli military action, has shifted his stance as economic risks and security concerns intensify, including Iranian retaliatory strikes and disruptions to global energy flows.

He also indicated that Germany could contribute to ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, but only after hostilities cease and necessary conditions are in place.Shipping through the strait, which previously accounted for roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, has been significantly disrupted amid Iranian threats targeting commercial vessels.

The situation has been further complicated by a partial naval blockade declared by U.S. President Donald Trump following stalled negotiations with Iran.

In a readout issued by Downing Street, a spokesperson said the two leaders discussed the failed negotiations held in Pakistan over the weekend and agreed it was “vital” to maintain the ceasefire while seeking a path forward through dialogue.

Starmer, who recently returned from meetings in the Middle East, also said international partners were working to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route, and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Oman’s security.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the breakdown in talks as “disappointing,” while emphasizing that continued engagement remained necessary to achieve a sustainable end to the conflict.

Speaking to Sky News, he said diplomacy often requires persistence, adding that lack of immediate success did not diminish the value of ongoing negotiations.

Streeting also criticized comments made earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump during the crisis, calling them “extraordinary,” particularly remarks he said appeared to threaten Iranian civilization.

Separately, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for the continuation of the Middle East ceasefire and a return to negotiations, stating that the outcome of the Islamabad talks was disappointing but underscoring the need for further diplomatic efforts.

The statements come after high-level U.S.-Iran talks ended without agreement, prolonging uncertainty over a conflict that has disrupted regional stability and global energy markets.

The negotiation are aimed at ending a six-week conflict between the United States and Iran that has killed thousands across the Middle East and disrupted global energy supplies, contributing to rising inflation and slower economic growth.

The arrival of the U.S. delegation marks a key step in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with Washington and Tehran expected to begin negotiations shortly in the Pakistani capital.

Pakistan has implemented heightened security measures in Islamabad as it hosts the talks, which are seen as a critical opportunity to stabilize the region and address broader economic fallout linked to the war.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the withdrawal would proceed regardless of whether an agreement is reached with Tehran, adding that U.S. objectives in the conflict were nearing completion.

“We’re finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer,” Trump said, indicating that the decision to leave would not hinge on negotiations.

“Whether we have a deal or not, it’s irrelevant.”The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, has disrupted global energy markets, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic. Trump linked a potential easing of fuel price pressures to a U.S. withdrawal, suggesting that regional dynamics would shift once American forces exit.

He also urged other countries to secure their own energy supplies, signaling a reduced U.S. role in safeguarding maritime routes. “If France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, they’ll go up through the Hormuz Strait and fend for themselves,” Trump said.

In a social media post earlier in the day, Trump reiterated that position, telling countries facing shortages to “go get your own oil,” while asserting that Iran had been significantly weakened.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be “decisive” in the conflict, without ruling out the possibility of ground operations. He added that the United States had undertaken extensive efforts to ensure navigational access through the Strait of Hormuz, though he emphasized that future responsibility would not rest solely with Washington.

Hegseth also confirmed an unannounced visit to U.S. forces operating under Central Command, declining to disclose locations for security reasons.Trump said U.S. forces would withdraw once Iran is deemed incapable of developing a nuclear weapon for a prolonged period, framing the campaign as aimed at degrading Tehran’s military and nuclear capabilities.

The remarks come amid strained coordination with allies, many of whom have declined U.S. requests for military support to reopen key shipping lanes.

The administration’s stance suggests a shift toward limiting direct U.S. involvement in securing global energy transit routes despite ongoing instability in the region.

The visit is expected to deepen engagement with European partners as discussions continue on shaping a viable peace framework.

Zelenskiy said Ukrainian officials will share details with their European counterparts following recent contacts in Moscow by representatives of the United States.

The aim is to maintain transparency among allies and ensure that all discussions related to Ukraine’s security architecture reflect shared priorities and collective understanding.

Umerov’s mission will include consultations on the European dimension of Ukraine’s long-term security needs. Officials are prioritizing clarity, alignment and partnership as they work through various proposals circulating among global stakeholders. Ukraine continues to emphasize diplomacy supported by strong international backing to safeguard its sovereignty.

After Brussels, Umerov will travel to the United States with Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The visit will involve preparations for a meeting with envoys representing President Donald Trump.

These engagements reflect ongoing coordination between Ukraine and its global partners as diplomatic channels remain active on multiple fronts.

Zelenskiy noted that despite recent high-level talks in Moscow involving American representatives, no agreement has yet been reached. He highlighted the importance of Ukraine remaining fully engaged with its allies, ensuring that negotiations continue in a structured and unified way.

The president emphasized that Ukraine is committed to a diplomatic path supported by open communication and shared principles.

A series of draft peace proposals that surfaced recently prompted concern among Ukrainian and European officials, who believed some of the ideas favored key demands from Moscow.

In response, European governments introduced their own counter-proposal, aimed at ensuring any potential agreement meets the standards and security expectations of Ukraine and its partners.

Meetings in Geneva between Ukrainian, European and American representatives produced what has been described as an updated and refined peace framework.

Although the contents have not been released publicly, the ongoing talks are viewed as a positive reflection of the determination among allies to develop a responsible and sustainable plan.

Zelenskiy stressed that Ukraine will continue close communication with all its partners to ensure the negotiation process remains active, coordinated and aligned with the country’s long-term security vision.

The sustained involvement of European and U.S. officials demonstrates a shared commitment to pursuing peace efforts through diplomacy, cooperation and unified strategic thinking.

As Ukraine moves forward with a busy agenda of international meetings, the emphasis remains on maintaining strong alliances and ensuring all discussions reinforce Ukraine’s territorial integrity and security priorities.

The upcoming talks are expected to support deeper cooperation, clearer frameworks and continued international unity.