NATO Has No Role in Securing Strait of Hormuz, Says German Foreign Minister

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

BRUSSELS: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated today that Germany does not see a role for the NATO defence alliance in addressing Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking before a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, Wadephul noted that NATO bodies have made no decisions to assume responsibility for the strategic waterway.

The Minister\'s comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump increases pressure on European allies to assist in protecting the strait. Trump has issued warnings regarding a \"very bad\" future for the alliance should its members fail to support Washington’s efforts in the region.

Despite this pressure, Wadephul clarified that the responsibility does not currently rest with NATO. \"I don\'t see that NATO has made any decision in this direction or could assume responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz. If that were the case, then the NATO bodies would address it accordingly,\" he said, adding that any such shift would require formal deliberation by NATO bodies.

Photo Credits: AFP