Germany rules out NATO role in Strait of Hormuz amid US pressure

Germany does not see a role for the NATO defense alliance in responding to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Brussels on March 16.

"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," Wadephul said ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Iran International reports. 

The comments come as US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on European allies to assist in protecting the strategic waterway, warning that NATO faces a "very bad" future if member states fail to support Washington’s efforts.

By Sabina Mammadli