BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – According to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Germany will not take part in an international military operation to protect merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The CDU politician said in the ARD “Report from Berlin” with a view to the Iran war and the question of expanding an ongoing EU mission to the Strait of Hormuz: “Will we soon become an active part of this conflict? No.” The federal government has a very clear view on this, which Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) have made clear. “We will not take part in this dispute.”
Wadephul said what is being heard from the US and Israel is to destroy Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its nuclear and missile programs. “And what we expect now is that we hear and that we are informed that we will be involved when this has happened. And then we would very much like to take part in going into negotiations.” Security for the Strait of Hormuz will only be achieved if there is a negotiated solution and then talk about it with the Iranians.
US President Donald Trump had promised military help from many unspecified countries to secure shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for global oil transport. Shipping traffic there has almost come to a standstill, driving up oil prices.
On Monday, the foreign ministers of the EU states will meet in person in Brussels for the first time since the start of the Iran war.
Expansion of an EU mission?
With a view to a possible expansion of the EU Aspides mission, Wadephul said the mission, which essentially focuses on the Red Sea, has not been effective so far. “And that’s why I’m very skeptical as to whether an expansion of Aspides in the Strait of Hormuz would ensure more security. We’ll now discuss all this calmly together. We’ll take a constructive part in this.”
In February 2024, the European Union decided on Operation Aspides to protect shipping in the Red Sea. A frigate was also involved in this Bundeswehr involved./hoe/DP/he
