Norbert Röttgen, the CDU foreign‑policy spokesman and deputy chairman of the Union parliamentary group, criticised French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to negotiate with Iran over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. He told the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that the control of the strait is strategically decisive for victory or defeat in the war, but that Iran’s claim to full control of the entire passage is unlawful under international law.
Röttgen argued that Macron’s suggestion amounts to recognising Iranian dominance both militarily and legally, and would ultimately lead to a political submission that Iran would deem unacceptable and would only accept under total military pressure. In other words, the proposal is tantamount to a capitulation that Iran would refuse.
He warned that Germany should take part in an effort to secure the strait after the United States and Israel conclude their operations against Iran. “Almost the whole world, including Germany, cannot accept Tehran holding 20 % of all global oil and gas transport hostage” the Christian Democrat said. Röttgen added that once President Donald Trump declares the war over, Germany will have to answer how it will behave. The opening of the strait is a major concern for many countries, and Germany has both economic and political interests that must be protected.
Regarding the military aspect, Röttgen sees the United States as the decisive actor. “The basic military security of the region after the ceasefire must be provided by America” he stated. He expects that following the fighting a new geopolitical order will emerge in the Middle East, and Gulf states will reorganise their security arrangements. Germany should actively contribute to stability and safety in the region, he added.
Finally, Röttgen said it is important for the U.S. president to demonstrate domestically that other states share the burden. “President Trump is facing strong domestic pressure over the war” he said. “If he fails to prevent Tehran from controlling the strait, the United States will no longer play the same role in the world after such a strategic defeat, and Europeans have little interest in this scenario”.