Berlin rejects wartime deployment, eyes role only after de-escalation

Friedrich Merz has outlined a set of conditions under which Germany would consider participating in efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Middle East.

According to foreign media, the German chancellor made clear that Berlin’s involvement in any potential maritime security mission would depend on three key requirements.

First, Merz emphasised that Germany would only take part once active hostilities had ended. “We will not do this during hostilities, but only after they have ended,” he said, underscoring that participation is contingent on a ceasefire or broader de-escalation.

Second, he stressed the need for close coordination with regional stakeholders, including Israel and Gulf states. Merz noted that Germany would work closely with these partners—many of whom he visited earlier this year—to support efforts aimed at reopening and securing maritime routes.

Third, the chancellor pointed to the necessity of an international mandate, which is currently lacking. Without such a legal and political framework, Germany would not proceed with involvement.

“There are still many steps ahead before we can even begin to consider such a topic,” Merz concluded, indicating that any German role in safeguarding shipping lanes remains conditional and not imminent.

By Tamilla Hasanova