Foreign‑policy officials from the governing coalition welcomed Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s announcement that Germany is ready to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. SPD foreign‑affairs spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic drew a firm line, stating to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that the war, as it now proceeds, is not only a mistake but also irresponsible: it lacks clear objectives, an exit plan and a post‑war strategy. He welcomed the chancellor’s decision not to militarily join the conflict.
Ahmetovic noted that Germany would only consider a contribution to safeguarding international waters once hostilities in Iran cease. “We are fundamentally prepared to meet our international responsibilities. However, a security operation for the Strait of Hormuz can only be carried out under a coordinated mandate within an international or European framework” he added.
A joint statement issued Thursday by the heads of state of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan expressed willingness to contribute to appropriate measures ensuring safe passage through the strait, and praised the engagement of states that were conducting preparatory planning.
During a Brussels press conference Merz said, “Naturally, I can imagine Germany taking part in such security measures, but only after the fighting has concluded”.
The chancellor had earlier highlighted, according to deputy chairman of the Union faction for foreign affairs Norbert Röttgen (CDU), that Germany and Europe have a longstanding interest in stabilising the entire Middle‑Eastern region after the war’s end. He called past neglect of the region a mistake and stressed that the war’s outcome is of utmost importance to Europe. “The best outcome would be the collapse of the regime; in any case it must not retain strategic capabilities such as control over the Strait of Hormuz” Röttgen said.
