Speaking alongside leaders from the UK, France and Italy after a meeting in Paris, Merz said Germany would "take part in the further military planning discussions that are taking place, and we would also welcome, if possible, the participation of the United States of America".

"Soaring energy prices must come down again as quickly as possible, and this war must not become a transatlantic stress test," Merz said.

He added that a German contribution to an international mission in the Strait of Hormuz "may, once hostilities have ceased, involve the deployment of the Bundeswehr".

But he stressed the need for "a secure legal basis for this, for example in the form of a Security Council resolution" before Berlin could take part.

German forces could eventually help with "mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance," Merz said.