BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that Germany is committed to bringing an end to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and stands ready to engage militarily to ensure the freedom of navigation, if necessary conditions are met.

Speaking during a visit to the German Army Bundeswehr in the northern city of Munster, Merz warned that a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would cause "massive economic damage for us all."

"The work carried out by the Bundeswehr in Munster is not only impressive, but also represents an important and indispensable contribution to a strong, united NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization)," said Merz.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday on social media that the United States is studying and reviewing a possible reduction of troops in Germany.

In recent days, Trump and Merz lashed out at each other over the Iran war. Merz criticized the United States for its "planless" military engagement in Iran, saying that the United States "is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership."

In response, Trump wrote on social media that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about" and is indifferent to Iran's nuclear ambitions. ■