Germany does not 'want to become involved' in Iran war, Merz says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he currently doesn't see the need for an international military campaign to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that his country does not "wish to become involved" in the Iran war.

Speaking alongside Norwegian premier Jonas Gahr Støre in Norway on Friday, Merz said concerns that the United States lacks a strategy on how to end the war launched alongside Israel "haven't really been answered."

"As things stand, I don't see any reason to consider military protection of sea lanes," Merz said when asked about his stance on a potential mission and German involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a key chokepoint for global oil supplies that Iran has effectively blocked in response to the US-Israeli campaign launched on February 28.

"Let me make this very clear once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not want to become part of it," Merz stressed. "And in that respect, all our efforts are focused on bringing the war to an end. And that is precisely what we are discussing with both the US government and the Israeli government."

Støre also said there were no plans for a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, an idea that is mainly being championed by French President Emmanuel Macron.