German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stern and cold statement following US President Donald Trump’s call for countries to join military operations against Iran and control the Strait of Hormuz.
Merz stressed to German lawmakers that Iran’s threat to its neighbors should not be taken lightly.
However, he remains skeptical of the war started by the US and Israel, questioning the extent to which the operation can achieve success without a clear strategy.
According to Merz, Washington did not consult or ask for European help. As a result, Germany rejected military involvement to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
This stance was also supported by other European leaders.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius insisted that the conflict had nothing to do with Europe, while French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe was not a party to the dispute.
This rejection stems from European concerns about the risk of being caught up in a conflict that is not understood and lacks support from its own people.
The tension in the transatlantic relationship is already critical. From the war in Ukraine to the tariff dispute, Europe seems to prefer to keep its distance rather than take additional risks in the Iran conflict.
This attitude is also supported by the public. In Britain, a YouGov poll found that 49% of people oppose an attack on Iran, compared to just 28% who support it.
Political pressure has also forced populist parties such as Reform UK and the opposition Conservatives to reduce their support for US military operations in Iran.
The Conservatives’ Kemi Badenoch condemned the verbal attacks from the White House, while Robert Jenrick of Reform UK criticized Trump for embarrassing the British Prime Minister.
Spain also rejected Trump’s call, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denouncing the attacks as reckless and illegal.
Trump’s threat to cut off trade relations with Spain if the military base is not used was also strongly rejected.
