German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Monday that Berlin had no plans to participate in military operations during the conflict
European leaders have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for assistance in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss the soaring oil prices amid the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Monday that Berlin had no plans to participate in military operations during the conflict.
“We expect the U.S. and Israel to keep us informed, to involve us in their actions, and to tell us if their objectives are being achieved,” Wadephul told reporters before the meeting in Brussels.
“Once we have a clearer picture, we believe the next step should be to establish a security framework for the entire region, in collaboration with neighboring states,” he added.
Wadephul also noted that NATO had not made any decisions regarding potential military action in the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump’s call on Sunday for the formation of a naval coalition to deploy warships to secure the vital waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass.
The Strait has effectively been shut down due to the ongoing conflict, with the U.S. and Israel launching deadly strikes across Iran since February 28.
In retaliation, Iran has fired missiles and drones throughout the Middle East, causing turmoil in global energy markets.
Despite the rise in oil and gas prices, several European nations have pushed back against Trump’s request for military involvement in securing the waterway.
Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said on Monday that Greece would not participate in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy was not involved in any naval missions that could extend to the area.
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