BERLIN / VAUX-DE-CERNAY — In a clear departure from the “individual deal-making” strategy of China and India, the German government confirmed on Friday, March 27, 2026, that it will not seek direct agreements with Tehran to secure passage for German-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. A government spokesperson in Berlin stated that Germany remains committed to a collective international solution and will “wait until the military situation allows passage again” rather than engaging in bilateral “transit-for-concessions” talks with the IRGC.
The announcement comes as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (who took over the portfolio following Annalena Baerbock’s election as President of the UN General Assembly) meets with G7 counterparts in France to discuss the escalating economic fallout of the blockade.
The German Position: No “Special Deals”
The spokesperson’s comments directly addressed the emerging “two-tier” transit system in the Gulf, where nations like China and India have reportedly secured “green flag” status for their tankers.
- Rejection of the “Tollbooth”: Berlin signaled that it views the Iranian “permission-to-transit” regime as a violation of international maritime law. “We believe the arrangements found for some ships stem from direct agreements with the Iranian regime. The German government is not currently pursuing this type of agreement,” the spokesperson clarified.
- Economic Resilience: While Germany is feeling the “energy shock,” with OECD growth forecasts cut by 0.4% this month, the Chancellery is prioritizing the integrity of the G7’s unified front over immediate relief for its shipping industry.
- EU’s “Aspides” Skepticism: Wadephul expressed skepticism about expanding the EU’s Operation Aspides from the Red Sea to the Hormuz, noting that such a move would risk “dragging Germany into the war” without providing real security.
The “Broker” Alternative
Despite refusing direct transit talks, Germany is positioning itself as a primary facilitator for the U.S.-Iran direct talks expected to take place in Pakistan.
- Imminent Meetings: Speaking to Deutschlandfunk radio on Friday, Wadephul revealed that indirect contacts have already been established and that a high-level, in-person meeting in Pakistan is prepared to occur “very soon.”
- Addressing the “Communication Gap”: Germany’s strategy is focused on closing the “information vacuum” between the Trump administration and Tehran, rather than securing narrow national benefits.
- Post-War Pledges: Berlin has signaled that while it will not fight in the war, it is “in principle prepared” to lead a multinational security mission for the Strait once a formal ceasefire is signed.
A Tense G7 Backdrop
The German announcement adds a layer of complexity to the G7 summit in Vaux-de-Cernay, where divisions over the Iran War are palpable.
| Country | Strategy for Hormuz |
| United States | Operation Epic Fury: Reopening the Strait via military degradation and the April 6 ultimatum. |
| Germany | “Patient Diplomacy”: Refusing direct deals; waiting for a multilateral negotiated settlement. |
| United Kingdom | “Hostage” Rhetoric: Calling for an immediate moratorium on infrastructure strikes while supporting U.S. goals. |
| China / India | Direct Engagement: Seeking (and in some cases receiving) bilateral “non-hostile” status from Iran. |
What’s Next?
Wadephul is expected to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening to discuss the details of the 15-point U.S. proposal. While Germany supports the diplomacy, it remains the most vocal critic of any plan that would see NATO forces involved in offensive strikes. The next 10 days of the “Trump Reprieve” will test whether Berlin’s “wait-and-see” approach can survive a total shutdown of LNG supplies.
