Asked whether Europeans should make direct contact with Iran to ask for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, Merz said: "We are making every effort to end this war... all diplomatic channels are being used."

Speaking at a press conference in Norway alongside his Norwegian and Canadian counterparts Jonas Gahr Store and Mark Carney, Merz stressed that Germany shared the "important goals of the United States and Israel".

"Iran must not threaten Israel and other neighbours," Merz said, adding that Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes must end and that the Islamic republic "must stop supporting terrorism at home and beyond".

However Merz added that "with each day of war, more questions arise than answers" and that "a convincing plan is needed" on conducting the war.

"We are witnessing a dangerous escalation. Iran is indiscriminately attacking states in the region, including close partners and allies of our own country, Germany," the chancellor said.

"The Strait of Hormuz has become impassable. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms.

"We have no interest in an endless war," Merz added. "We need a perspective for a peaceful order now."