The UK has invited military representatives of the U.S., France and other European countries to a meeting in Bahrain on Wednesday in an attempt to create an international mission to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Germany has remained hesitant to get involved in any mission led by Washington, which urged Germany on Tuesday to join security efforts.

Britain conceded that the success of a European-led navy mission would be dependent on the involvement of the U.S., whose Fifth Fleet, which is responsible for the Gulf, is based in Bahrain. The move is seen as highly controversial in Germany, where many politicians fear any naval mission, especially one led by the U.S., could heighten the risk of conflict with Iran.

Germany sees "de-escalation and diplomatic efforts" as a priority, said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "Taking part in the American strategy of maximum pressure is out of the question." The country has so far been reluctant to contribute to any naval mission in the Middle East, despite the U.S. Embassy publicly urging Berlin to make a commitment.

"We've formally asked Germany to join France and the UK to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and combat Iranian aggression," said U.S. Embassy spokesperson Tamara Sternberg-Greller in a statement.

Germany has been very sensitive on the subject of overseas military deployments, and the country's post-war constitution places constraints on using the armed forces for anything other than strictly defensive operations. Maas had told reporters several days ago that German military participation was so far not the subject of talks with Britain and France. 

Germany's estranged attitude has added to discontent of U.S. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly criticized Berlin for its insufficient contribution to joint NATO defense. German politicians have called for the expulsion of Trump's ambassador in Berlin for appearing to interfere in the country's domestic politics. 

The UK last Tuesday proposed the European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran's seizure of the UK-flagged Stena Impero oil tanker on July 19. France, Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark supported the European-led naval mission proposal, and Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are reportedly interested in the mission.

The meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoon is not expected to lead to an immediate outcome, according to British officials. They said any proposal would be taken back to national governments for further discussion.

(With input from agencies)

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