Defence Minister: Germany Does Not Wish to Be Involved in Middle East Conflict

Moscow (ANTARA) - Germany does not wish to become involved in military actions in the Middle East, given that the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran is not its own country’s war, said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Thursday. Earlier, in March, Pistorius did not rule out German military participation in ensuring shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, although he added that it would depend on several factors following a ceasefire with Iran. “No one has asked us beforehand. This is not our war and therefore we do not want to be dragged into that war, to clarify that,” said Pistorius while speaking in the Australian Parliament in Canberra alongside Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Pistorius also called for a halt to shootings and killings to avoid the risk of instability in the Middle East region. “If we reach the point where we achieve a ceasefire, then we will discuss every type of operation to secure peace, especially to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but the time has not yet come and therefore we call for a ceasefire as soon as possible,” explained Pistorius. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. The escalation of tensions around Iran has caused a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets. This has also affected export levels and oil production in the region, leading to price increases.