During a visit to Berlin with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) made it clear that Germany will not participate in the Iran war, even though US President Donald Trump has threatened involvement. Merz stated on Monday that the question of Germany’s military role is irrelevant: “We will not do it”. He added that NATO is a defensive alliance and not an interventionist one, saying, “This war is not a NATO matter”.
Merz said a democratically‑legitimate government must replace the Iranian regime, but “bombing it into place is unlikely to succeed, given our past experience”. He noted that both the United States and Israel had not consulted Germany before engaging in the conflict. The chancellor emphasized that only a political solution is possible, not a military one, and that the country will not use military means to guarantee free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while the war continues.
He also pointed out the connection between the wars in Iran and Ukraine, warning that Russia will seize any chance to test NATO and weaken Ukraine. Merz criticized Washington for easing restrictive measures on Russian oil sales, calling it a mistake, and said that Europe will keep increasing sanctions against Russia.
The Dutch prime minister responded cautiously, saying the war at hand was started by the US and Israel against Iran. He stressed that tensions in the region must first be reduced. The Netherlands remains open to proposals, but so far no concrete request has been made.