Germany ready to join Hormuz security mission after US–Iran conflict

Germany remains prepared to take part in a mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict between the United States and Iran has ended, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday, June 11.

Speaking to lawmakers in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, Merz said Berlin’s commitment would stand provided the necessary conditions are met.

“Until then, we are committed to a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” he added.

His remarks came as a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appeared close to collapse, with both sides exchanging heavy fire overnight.

The Iranian military said that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that is vital to global oil and gas trade — had been completely shut off amid the latest attacks.

However, US Central Command said in a post on X that commercial shipping continued to pass through the strait overnight.

Merz said Germany was ready to assume responsibility in the Gulf region after the end of the conflict. He argued that the objective should be for Iran to shut down its nuclear programme.

He also stressed that the security of Israel and the broader region must be guaranteed, “or there will be no peace in the region,” Merz suggested.

Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have been preparing since May for a potential operation in the Strait of Hormuz that could include the deployment of minehunter vessels.

By Tamilla Hasanova