Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a coordinated response of diplomatic pressure and political restraint toward Iran today in Berlin, warning of the severe economic and security consequences linked to Middle East instability.
During a joint press conference, Montenegro emphasized that conflicts are resolved through dialogue but characterized Iran’s current actions—specifically its pursuit of military nuclear potential and its disruption of international trade—as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Chancellor Merz highlighted the specific economic threat posed by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that an Iranian blockade directly affects both the German and Portuguese economies.
The German leader advocated for ensuring that maritime routes remain unobstructed and suggested increasing sanctions against Tehran if the blockade continues. “Iran must sit at the table and negotiate,” Merz stated, adding that Berlin is maintaining close coordination with Washington regarding the Iranian dossier.
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This diplomatic visit began with a guard of honor for Montenegro at the Chancellery, followed by a private meeting with Merz and a broader discussion involving the Portuguese Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida. Germany stands as the European Union’s largest economy and serves as Portugal’s third-largest customer and second-largest supplier, with Portuguese exports to the country growing by an average of 12.9% between 2021 and 2025.
Following their bilateral talks, both leaders are set to participate in the “Wirtschaftstag,” a major economic-political conference organized by the Wirtschaftsrat der CDU.
The event brings together approximately 3,000 business leaders from major corporations such as Siemens, Deutsche Bank, and BASF to discuss the future of European industry and investment. Montenegro’s participation in the conference, invited by Merz himself, is seen as a strategic move to deepen bilateral relations before his return to Lisbon tonight.
