By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/german-chancellor-seeks-u-s-involvement-in-mission-to-secure-the-strait-of-hormuz Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter German chancellor seeks U.S. involvement in mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz World Apr 17, 2026 11:14 AM EDT German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday he wants U.S. involvement in a Europe-led mission to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Speaking after an international conference in Paris on securing the strait, Merz said Germany could contribute mine clearance and maritime intelligence capabilities to such a mission, but would need parliamentary support and a ″secure legal basis″ such as a U.N. Security Council resolution. He said Germany, ″if possible, would also like to see the United States of America participate; we believe this would be desirable.″ More on the Strait of Hormuz reopening: Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. blockade remains Macron and Starmer welcome news of Strait of Hormuz opening but say it must be permanent Oil prices plummet as Wall Street rallies to new record following Strait of Hormuz reopening Why a U.S. blockade on Iran seems to be working A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday he wants U.S. involvement in a Europe-led mission to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Speaking after an international conference in Paris on securing the strait, Merz said Germany could contribute mine clearance and maritime intelligence capabilities to such a mission, but would need parliamentary support and a ″secure legal basis″ such as a U.N. Security Council resolution. He said Germany, ″if possible, would also like to see the United States of America participate; we believe this would be desirable.″ More on the Strait of Hormuz reopening: Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. blockade remains Macron and Starmer welcome news of Strait of Hormuz opening but say it must be permanent Oil prices plummet as Wall Street rallies to new record following Strait of Hormuz reopening Why a U.S. blockade on Iran seems to be working A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now