The SPD parliamentary group has outlined conditions under which it would approve the deployment of German troops to the Strait of Hormuz. During an interview with RTL and ntv on Friday, SPD foreign policy spokesman Adis Ahmetovic stated that German soldiers will not be sent anywhere unless there is a reliable ceasefire in place. He added, “I am not prepared, as a German parliamentarian, to send our parliamentary army, our soldiers, into a death trap”.
According to Ahmetovic, the approval depends entirely on the conditions that are set. He identified three critical requirements. First, there must be a reliable cessation of violence, which needs to happen not only in Iran but also in Lebanon, as the two conflicts are interconnected. Second, an international mandate is necessary; Deutschland cannot go there alone and requires the backing of either the United Nations or a unified front among European NATO partners. Finally, the SPD parliamentary group stressed the need for a mandate from the Bundestag based on international law, noting that their room for maneuver is quite limited.
The SPD politician clarified that any German action would not constitute an offensive war, but rather an effort to secure international waterways. He affirmed, “That must be the clear message. And only on this basis is my SPD group prepared to support such a mandate and assume responsibility”.
While acknowledging that the conflict is not solely German, he pointed out that Germany is feeling the consequences daily, citing issues like fuel prices and the cost of living. He described the Strait of Hormuz as a vital artery, stating, “It is clogged, and we must ensure, together-the international community, not just Germany-that this Strait of Hormuz is secured”. He concluded by emphasizing that the United States must also participate in these efforts.