A press representative for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that the current Middle Eastern conflict, which has been triggered by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, is not related to NATO and does not constitute a NATO war. This statement comes in response to growing international tensions and the call from US President Donald Trump for allied nations including South Korea, France, China, and the UK to assist in securing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has declared closed to US and allied shipping.

Moreover, Trump has increased pressure on NATO allies by suggesting in an interview with the Financial Times that NATO faces a 'very bad' future if allies do not help in reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz for global oil exports. During the press conference, German spokesperson Stefan Cornelius emphasized that NATO is primarily a defensive alliance, focusing on territorial defense, and the current situation lacks a mandate for deploying NATO forces.

Chancellor Merz also stressed the urgent need to end the war in the Middle East, stating that the ongoing conflict benefits no one and harms many. His comments reflect a broader sentiment within the international community recognizing the complexities and potential consequences of escalating military involvement in the region, especially in light of tensions involving major world powers, including the US and Iran.