German foreign‑policy officials welcomed Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s announcement that Germany is ready to help secure the Strait of Hormis. SPD foreign‑politician Adis Ahmetovic, however, set a clear red line, arguing that the current war is “a mistake and reckless” because it lacks clear objectives, an exit plan and a strategy for what comes next. He welcomed the chancellor’s decision not to involve Germany militarily in the conflict, stating that any German contribution to securing international waters would only be considered after hostilities in Iran cease. Ahmetovic added that a mission would need an agreed mandate under an international or EU framework.
In a joint statement by the heads of state and government of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, the countries expressed readiness to contribute to efforts that would ensure safe passage through the strait and welcomed the preparation work of other states. Merz, speaking in Brussels on Thursday, affirmed that Germany could imagine participating in such security measures, but only after fighting ends.
Deputy chairman of the Union faction, Norbert Röttgen (CDU), told the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that from the outset Germany and Europe have sought to work for stability throughout the Middle East after the war. He called neglect of the region a mistake of the past and stressed that the war’s outcome is of utmost importance to Europe. Röttgen added that the best outcome would be the collapse of the regime, and that it must not retain strategic powers, such as control over the Strait of Hormis.