Donald Trump called Germany to help in Iran war — and their reaction might be the most polite snub he’s ever received
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz directly denied President Donald Trump aid in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But a week ago, Germany allowed the United States to use the Ramstein Air Base for the Iran war.
“We will not participate in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by military means,” said Chancellor Merz on X, translated from German. This goes against Trump’s plea for help in Iran.
“The war in the Middle East is not a matter for NATO. Therefore, Germany will also not become involved militarily,” he added.
Earlier at the White House, Trump went on a tirade against NATO allies who are refusing to actively participate in the war against Iran. His social media posts also urge non-NATO allies to help in the war, calling it a “team effort.”
Article Five of NATO, which considers an attack on one NATO member an attack on all, has not been invoked. Trump may throw a fit about allies not aiding in his chosen war, but they are not obligated to help. Moreover, the Trump administration has been wishy-washy on its rationale and objectives for the war. There has also been no proven imminent threat from Iran that justifies the U.S. strikes. It would be reckless at best if allies actively participated in the war and sent their troops.
The situation can’t be compared to Ukraine, which Russia, as a belligerent nation, is trying to invade. Although not a NATO member, the Russian incursion into Ukraine opens the door to further Russian aggression in Europe.
Still complicit in aiding the war effort
Although Merz declined to send military aid to sweep mines away from the Strait of Hormuz, Germany still played a complicit part in the war. They allowed the United States to use Ramstein Air Base—the largest U.S. Air Force base outside of the U.S. located in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The base is colloquially known as ‘Little America.’
“Ramstein has recently welcomed a number of extra U.S. aircraft from Air Force bases in Spain after the Spanish government said that it did not want its territory to stage attacks on Iran,” reported Tom Gennoy from DW News.
“German policy is full cooperation, and this place is an integral part of ongoing American operations.”
“Ramstein Air Base was a critical logistics hub for the United States military in flowing material from the continental United States to Africa and the Middle East,” said William Alberque, a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Pacific Forum. He was formerly Director of NATO’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation Centre.
When asked about the base’s pertinence to the Iran war, Alberque pointed to its use as a logistics hub. He clarified, “This is not a major hub for combat operations in the Middle East for the United States.” He also said that Ramstein is a “low-priority target” for the Iranian regime.
Germany may not have been an active participant in Trump’s eyes, but it has certainly helped with Iran. The same can be said of the United Kingdom. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the United Kingdom will not join offensive action, it still lent the United States its military bases.
Both allies have been compliant yet careful about their approach to the Iran war. Nevertheless, all ask the question of necessity and legality.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
