Germany does not want to be dragged into the war in the Middle East

US military/ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTOI via Instagram @uscentcom

JAKARTA - German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that his country does not want to be involved in military action in the Middle East given the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran is not his country's war.

Previously, in March, Pistorius did not rule out German military participation in ensuring the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, although he said it depended on several factors after the ceasefire with Iran.

"No one asked us before. This is not our war and that is why we do not want to be dragged into that war, so to clarify that," Pistorius said while speaking in the Australian Parliament in Canberra with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Thursday, March 26.

Pistorius also called for a cessation of firing and killing to avoid the risk of instability in the Middle East region.

"If we reach the point where we reach a ceasefire, we will discuss every type of operation to secure peace, especially to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but the time has not yet come and therefore, we call for a ceasefire as soon as possible," explained Pistorius.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

Escalation of tensions around Iran has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main route for the shipment of oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

This also affects the export and oil production rates in the region, leading to price increases.