Germany is in ‌principle ready to help secure transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end, provided there is a mandate, preferably from the United Nations, and ‌German parliamentary approval, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

"We ​are still a long way from all of that," Merz told reporters ⁠a day before talks in Paris ​that, he said, would cover the issue of any ⁠possible participation of U.S. armed forces.

He declined to specifically address a question on a newspaper report saying ‌that Germany was prepared to ​offer demining and maritime ‌surveillance expertise.

Germany's defense ministry did not immediately reply to ‌an emailed request for comment on the report.

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has caused unprecedented disruption ⁠of global oil ‌and gas. It ⁠has led to the halting of traffic through the ⁠Strait ⁠of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world's oil ‌and liquefied natural gas flows.

Merz, speaking at a press conference with his Irish counterpart, stressed ‌that at ​least a ‌provisional ceasefire would be required before any mission in the Strait of Hormuz and that ​Iran's military nuclear program must end.