Berlin, April 14 (Petra) - German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to return to the negotiating table, warning that heightened tensions threaten global economic stability and energy security.

In remarks to the German Press Agency (dpa), Klingbeil stated that the responsibility for reaching a durable peace settlement lies squarely with Washington and Tehran. He cautioned that a failure to engage diplomatically could have long-term repercussions for international markets.

Klingbeil specifically criticized recent escalations concerning the Strait of Hormuz, noting that threats to the vital shipping lane contribute to global volatility.

"This leads to further instability and creates continued economic shocks for energy prices and global supply chains," Klingbeil said.

The Vice Chancellor argued that the only viable path forward is the resumption of talks aimed at a formal ceasefire. He emphasized that the international community must ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for global trade.

His comments come as European leaders express mounting concern over the impact of Middle Eastern instability on the continent's inflation rates and industrial recovery efforts.

//Petra// AF