Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius publicly rejected a request from U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO allies to dispatch ships to the Hormuz Strait. During a press conference, Pistorius stated that there was no justification for such actions and warned that complying with Trump's demands could risk drawing Germany into ongoing conflicts. He emphasized that operations outside NATO territory require a legal basis under international law and the approval of the German Federal Parliament.

Pistorius also questioned what Trump expected from European naval forces when he stated, "What do you expect? That a few European escort ships will achieve what the powerful U.S. Navy cannot?" This reflects Germany's reluctance to become involved in military actions that are not perceived as its own. Pistorius stressed the importance of maintaining distance from any aggressions towards Iran, reiterating that this situation should not involve Germany's participation in warfare initiated by others.

In a separate statement, Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed these sentiments, highlighting the high risk of escalation and insisting that there is no military solution to the crisis, only a political one. Scholz pointed out that NATO is fundamentally a defense alliance, not an interventionist coalition, urging respect and careful dialogue among allies. This stance positions Germany firmly against increased military involvement in a conflict that it did not instigate, signaling a broader commitment to diplomatic solutions.