Merz: US didn't consult us before Iran strikes, we wouldn't have advised it

2026-03-19 - 07:59

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed Thursday that the United States did not consult Berlin before launching its joint offensive with Israel against Iran, and made clear that even if asked, Germany would not have advised the operation. Speaking to parliament ahead of an EU Council meeting, Merz outlined Berlin's firm stance on the widening conflict. No consultation, no support "The Washington administration did not consult us before the attacks on Iran and did not consider European help necessary," Merz told lawmakers. He added pointedly that "if they had consulted us, we would not have advised it." The remarks underscore the growing transatlantic rift over the US-Israeli campaign, now in its third week, which has killed approximately 1,300 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. No Hormuz deployment Merz definitively ruled out German participation in any military operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz while the war continues. "As long as the war continues, we will not take part in a military operation to ensure free passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz," he stated, citing the absence of any UN, EU or NATO mandate. He left open the possibility of contributing to a post-war peace arrangement and discussions on freedom of navigation after hostilities cease. Response to Trump criticism The chancellor also addressed President Donald Trump's criticism of allies refusing to send forces to the Gulf. "We do not want this war to become a burden on the transatlantic partnership because we want this partnership. We need it," Merz said, while insisting on Germany's right to different views. "A partnership must be able to withstand that, otherwise it is not a partnership." Regional stability concerns Merz warned that the current situation resembles previous interventions in Libya and Iraq, arguing that military action does not deliver the expected change. He expressed concern about spillover effects including energy supply disruptions and potential mass migration. "We cannot draw the curtains and wait for the storm outside to pass," he concluded, calling for joint European efforts to face the crisis.