BERLIN, March 15 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed skepticism on Sunday regarding the potential expansion of the EU naval mission "Aspides" to the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, Wadephul said he was "very skeptical" about whether the EU mission could ensure greater security in the strait. He argued that the operation has "not been effective" in its primary deployment area in the Red Sea.
Wadephul said that security can only be guaranteed if the military conflict is "fundamentally resolved." He noted that while Europe has always provided constructive support in securing maritime routes, he "sees neither an immediate necessity, nor, above all, that Germany should participate."
"Our demand to the U.S. and Israel is to keep us informed and tell us which concrete objectives are still being pursued, and then discuss with us how this war can be brought to an end," he added.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and more than 1,300 civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. bases and assets across the Middle East.
As the strikes move into their third week, and with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil flows, the disruption to global energy and economic markets is becoming increasingly severe. ■