German Foreign Minister: No Need to Participate in Hormuz Strait Escort Operations

This article is reprinted from [Xinhua News Agency];

Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, March 15 (Reporter Zhang Yirong, Li Chao) German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed skepticism on March 15 about the possible expansion of the EU escort mission to the Strait of Hormuz, believing Germany does not need to participate.

In an interview with German TV Channel One, Baerbock stated that she is “highly doubtful” about the EU’s “shield” escort operation expanding to the Strait of Hormuz to enhance security. She noted that the operation, originally deployed in the Red Sea and other areas, has so far been “not effective enough.”

Baerbock said that security can only be guaranteed when the military conflict is “fundamentally resolved.” Regarding the safety of maritime routes, Europe has always provided constructive support, “but I see neither an urgent need nor do I think Germany needs to participate.”

She added that Germany has asked the U.S. and Israel to share information clearly about specific targets of military actions against Iran, and to discuss with us how to end this war.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, which responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Due to the conflict, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been almost completely halted.

According to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal on the 15th, the U.S. government plans to announce the formation of a so-called “Hormuz Strait Escort Alliance” soon. U.S. officials familiar with the matter said some countries have agreed to provide escort for ships passing through this critical international oil shipping route. However, whether the escort operation will begin before a ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is still under discussion.

The report states that the White House declined to comment on this news, and the timing of the “escort alliance” announcement may change depending on the battlefield situation. Many countries remain cautious about participating in escort missions before a ceasefire, considering the risks involved.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told U.S. media that some countries have contacted Iran, hoping their ships can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran is willing to negotiate with these countries, and the final decision will be made by the Iranian military.