Germany Refuses to Join U.S.-Backed Tanker Protection Effort in Strait of Hormuz
BY RICK MORAN AUGUST 1, 2019 PjMedia


An oil tanker is on fire in the sea of Oman, Thursday, June 13, 2019. Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz were reportedly attacked on Thursday, an assault that left one ablaze and adrift as sailors were evacuated from both vessels and the U.S. Navy rushed to assist amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. (AP Photo/ISNA)
According to a report from Reuters, Germany is refusing to help protect oil tankers in the Gulf flying flags from EU countries.

Iran and Great Britain are at odds over recent seizures of oil tankers by both countries and Donald Trump has accused Iran of attacking shipping in the Gulf. EU nations are hesitant to back Trump's move because, well, they don't have the stomach for a confrontation with Iran.

“Germany will not take part in the sea mission presented and planned by the United States,” said [Foreign Minister Heiko] Maas, adding the situation in the region was very serious and everything should be done to avoid an escalation. “There is no military solution.”
The security of shipping in the Gulf has shot up the international agenda since May, when Washington accused Iran of attacking ships there, which Iran denied. In July, Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in apparent retaliation for Britain’s seizure of an Iranian ship accused of violating sanctions by taking oil to Syria.

Washington’s European allies disagreed with President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of a nuclear deal with Iran last year and impose sanctions. They have been hesitant to back a U.S.-led mission that might increase tension in the region.

https://pjmedia.com/trending/germany-refuses-to-join-us-backed-tanker-protection-effort-in-the-gulf/?fbclid=IwAR0W_8O2UCpVjw5S6QUUh1hYtvdaupo-lVysMX3ofkS5lBN2mJ_a1JnGZpo