Liveblog Irankrieg: Trump: Iran wird Straße von Hormus nie mehr blockieren
As tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his opposition to NATO involvement in securing the vital waterway, directly countering recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to verified reports from Reuters and German public broadcasters, Merz emphasized during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Berlin on March 16, 2026, that NATO remains a defensive alliance and should not be tasked with offensive operations such as escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
“NATO is a defense alliance, not an intervention alliance,” Merz stated, adding that he wishes for continued respectful cooperation within the alliance despite differing views on the Iran situation. He further clarified that Germany would not participate in any military effort to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait as long as the conflict with Iran continues.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius echoed Merz’s position, affirming that NATO lacks the mandate to engage in operations related to the Iran conflict or the security of maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
These comments come in response to Trump’s repeated calls for NATO allies to contribute to a multinational naval mission aimed at safeguarding global oil shipments through the strait, which he argued is essential for stabilizing energy markets and preventing Iranian blockades.
Trump had previously suggested in interviews with the Financial Times that insufficient support from NATO members would undermine the alliance’s credibility, warning that such reluctance could harm long-term transatlantic cooperation.
Despite U.S. Pressure, German officials maintain that any naval deployment in the region would require a clear UN mandate and would fall outside NATO’s core defensive purpose, reinforcing Berlin’s stance against direct military involvement in the Iran-related maritime security mission.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, remains a critical artery for global oil trade, with approximately 20-30% of the world’s seaborne crude oil passing through its waters according to industry analyses.
As of mid-April 2026, Iranian authorities have indicated that the strait remains open to commercial shipping, though they continue to assert regional control over maritime activities in accordance with international law.
German defense policy continues to prioritize diplomatic solutions and multilateral engagement through frameworks such as the European Union or United Nations, rather than unilateral or NATO-led military actions in the Gulf region.
No further updates have been issued by the German federal government regarding potential shifts in policy toward NATO involvement in Hormuz security operations as of the latest available reports.
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