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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Bryony Gooch

Germany’s blunt message to Trump after rejecting Iran war request

  • Nato allies have cast doubt over the alliance’s role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz in a fresh blow to President Donald Trump.
  • Trump had called for “about seven” countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning Nato that the bloc faces a “very bad future” if allies refuse to help open the maritime chokepoint, which has been under Iranian control since the war began.
  • Among the most vocal against Trump’s request was German chancellor Friedrich Merz. “This war has nothing to do with Nato. It's not Nato's war,” a spokesperson for the German leader said.
  • The UK has also expressed an unwillingness to involve Nato, with Sir Keir Starmer saying that it “won’t be and it's never been envisioned to be a Nato mission.” Meanwhile, Greece has refused any military involvement in the Persian waterway and Italy has called for diplomacy to prevail.
  • Iran has reportedly asked India to release three tankers seized in February as part of talks seeking the safe passage of India-flagged or India-bound vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

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