Germany Says It Will Not Join Operations in Strait of Hormuz
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
BERLIN, March 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Germany said on Monday it will not participate in any operations aimed at securing shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to assist in protecting maritime traffic in the region.
A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the conflict was not related to the NATO alliance.
“This war has nothing to do with NATO. It is not NATO’s war,” the spokesperson said.
The German government reiterated that it is not considering involvement in operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Participation has not been considered before this war and is not being considered now,” the spokesperson added.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also said earlier on Monday that he does not see a role for NATO members in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump had urged several allies, including Japan and European countries, to contribute naval forces to protect maritime routes in the area, warning that NATO could face a “very bad future” if member states did not become involved.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Germany would not provide military support for operations in the strategic waterway.
“What does President Trump expect from a few European frigates that the powerful U.S. Navy cannot do?” Pistorius said.
Pistorius added that the European Union’s Aspides naval mission currently focuses on protecting vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and that expanding the mission to the Strait of Hormuz would require a new legal basis and approval from the German parliament.
Germany has also said it will continue supporting Ukraine and maintains its opposition to easing sanctions on Russia, officials said.
Chancellor Merz is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Berlin later on Monday.
