BERLIN

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday demanded a quick end to the war against Iran and flatly ruled out sending German naval forces to the Gulf to escort oil tankers.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merz warned that the risks associated with the US and Israeli military campaign are too high and urged all sides to pursue a political solution to the conflict.

“The Iran war must be brought to an end as quickly as possible and with a clear plan, with a strategy,” Merz said. “There will be no military solution, only a political one. I can only urge all parties involved to seek a political solution. Germany stands ready to contribute.”

Merz also rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that neither the US nor Israel consulted Germany and allies before launching the conflict.

“Regarding Iran, there has never been a joint decision on whether or not to engage,” he said. “Therefore, the question of how Germany will contribute militarily does not arise. We will not do so.”

Merz also pushed back against Trump’s warning that NATO faces a “very bad” future if allies refuse to deploy navy ships.

“We are fulfilling our obligations within NATO, and let me reiterate: NATO is a defensive alliance, not an interventionist one,” Merz said. “For that reason, I hope that we will treat each other with the necessary respect within the alliance.”