Germany Says Will Not Join US Pressure Campaign against Iran

Germany would not take part in the US’ “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran, Maas said in an interview with Funke newspaper published on Friday, according to Reuters.

He also said that Germany will take a decision on whether to participate in a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz once it has more clarity about the design of such a mission.

“Any actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz need to have a European face,” Maas said of British plans for a shipping protection mission after Iran's military forces captured a UK oil tanker for violating international maritime regulations.

Britain’s “Stena Impero” oil tanker was seized for three cases of violation of maritime law when it was passing through the high-traffic Strait of Hormuz last week. The UK vessel had switched off its GPS locator, in contravention of international regulations, and was sailing into the Strait of Hormuz in a wrong traffic pattern. The British tanker was entering the strait from the southern route which is an exit path, increasing the risk of an accident. Moreover, Stena Impero had not heeded any of the warnings from the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization.

France, Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark gave initial support for the European-led naval mission.

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