In a press conference, German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated that NATO is an alliance for defending its members’ territory and lacks the mandate to intervene outside its borders in response to US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO intervention.
The UK and Germany have rejected a NATO mission to restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump’s appeal for help from allies and China. Japan and Australia have also ruled out sending resources to the strait, a vital route for transporting oil.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized a collective plan to restore navigation liberty in the region quickly, stressing that it will not involve a NATO mission. Germany and other NATO allies have expressed reluctance to escalate military actions in the region.
European Union foreign ministers are discussing the possible use of the Aspides mission to protect maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. France has proposed an international mission for reopening the strait, while some European ministers remain cautious about escalating tensions.
Amid the conflict with Iran, the UK has allowed the US to use British military bases and deployed aircraft to support allies in the region. A Royal Navy destroyer is also stationed in the eastern Mediterranean to safeguard British military bases in Cyprus.
Keir Starmer announced a £53 million plan to assist households affected by rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.
