German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday urged efforts to quickly end the war with Iran through diplomatic means, warning that the ongoing conflict harms all involved, including the United States.

In a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, Merz said that Germany still has many unanswered questions about the war and that there is no convincing plan for how this military operation could succeed.

He noted that Washington did not consult Berlin before the strikes. He added that if Germany had been consulted, it would have advised against the operation.

The United States has urged allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil supplies, but European nations, including Germany, have resisted involvement.

As long as the war continues, Germany will not use military means to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Merz reiterated.

The stance signals a change in tone after Merz earlier aimed to strengthen relations with Washington, including a visit to the White House to build closer ties with the US president.

German state television network, Deutsche Welle, noted that Berlin is cautious about getting involved in this US-led conflict without a clear international mandate or strategy, especially since pulling Germany out of economic recession remains the most urgent political task for Merz.

The conflict is already affecting Germany and Europe, particularly energy markets and trade routes.

Rising energy costs are expected to impact Germany's manufacturing sector, with economists cautioning of slower growth if the crisis continues, Reuters reported.

Merz stressed that Europe wants to see a quick end to the war.

(With input from agencies)