Germany: Hormuz Closure Is an Economic Catastrophe

COLOMBO (News 1st); German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has described the ongoing war as a catastrophe for the world’s economies, warning that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already having serious global consequences and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking on the escalating situation in Australia, Pistorius said the economic impact of the conflict is “absolutely evident” just over two weeks into the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He said the disruption is affecting all regions of the Indo‑Pacific, including Australia, and highlighted countries such as Japan, which he said depends on the strait for more than 90 percent of its imports.

“This is a real impact,” Pistorius said, underscoring the scale of the economic damage already being felt worldwide.

He also reiterated that European partners, including Germany, were not consulted before the war began. “Nobody asked us before,” he said, stressing that it is not Europe’s war and making clear that Germany does not want to be drawn into the conflict.

“To make it crystal clear,” Pistorius said, “we don’t want to get sucked into that war.”

The German defence minister said the urgent priority must now be a diplomatic solution as soon as possible.

He called for an end to the fighting and the killing, directing his appeal both to the United States and, more directly, to Iran, which he accused of attacking its partners in the region, including what he described as brother states such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other countries.

Pistorius warned that the situation carries a huge risk of rising and increasing instability in the region and said history shows such instability inevitably affects the entire world.

He said Germany and its partners are prepared to help secure peace if a ceasefire is reached. Once hostilities stop, he said discussions could take place on operations to secure peace, including ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Pistorius emphasized that the time for such operations has not yet come. Until then, he said Germany’s position is clear.

“Therefore, we appeal for a ceasefire as soon as possible,” he said.