Germany Rejects Military Deployment to Strait of Hormuz, Prioritises Diplomatic Channel with Iran

The German government has formally declared that it will not participate in an international military mission to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This position reinforces Berlin’s stance of reluctance to be drawn further into the escalating armed confrontation between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius have reached clear agreement not to become active participants in the conflict. “We will not take part in this conflict,” Wadephul told public broadcaster ARD on Sunday (15 March).

Wadephul assessed that the current escalation has specific objectives to destroy Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its nuclear and missile programmes. Rather than deploying military force, Germany prefers to wait for a diplomatic opening after the military operations conclude in order to facilitate negotiations.

Regarding proposals to expand Operation Aspides—an EU mission previously focused on the Red Sea—to the Strait of Hormuz, Wadephul expressed reservations. He argued that the operation has yet to demonstrate its effectiveness in providing significant security.

“Security in the Strait of Hormuz will only be achieved if there is a negotiated solution, and if we then also discuss this with Iran,” he added.

This statement comes ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday (16 March 2026). Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continues to claim military support from various unnamed countries to reopen this vital shipping route, amid rising global oil prices resulting from the disruption of maritime traffic.