Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, publicly attributed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz directly to former US President Donald Trump, asserting that the military strikes on Iran launched in late February "pushed the cork in" at the chokepoint. In an interview with public broadcaster ARD, Pistorius declared that securing safe passage through the strait is "in Europe’s interest, in the interest of our energy supply and our economic recovery." He stressed that any durable arrangement to reopen the waterway would require the backing of both Iran and Oman.

The minister’s remarks mark a sharpening of Berlin’s criticism of Washington’s campaign against Iran, though the German government has consistently distanced itself from the conflict. Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously stated that the war was "not a matter for NATO" and, along with Pistorius, reproached the US for failing to consult allies before commencing operations. This stance reflects broader European unease over the military campaign launched without allied coordination that directly threatens the continent’s energy arteries.

Viewed from Tehran, the closure is a direct response to what Iranian officials, in statements carried by state media, describe as "illegal attacks on national sovereignty." Following the initial blockade, a memorandum of understanding between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian permitted a gradual resumption of shipping, but Iran has warned that it could again shut the strait if Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue. Iranian negotiators have further insisted that, under the terms of the memorandum, Iran determines future administration and maritime services in the strait, in coordination with Oman. A senior Iranian official cautioned that the country’s armed forces are prepared to "respond in a different manner" should threats persist.

The crisis continues to jeopardise global energy markets. With a significant share of oil and liquefied natural gas transiting the strait, the months-long disruption has compounded concerns over inflation and industrial recovery in Europe. Moscow’s commentary has pointedly highlighted that the crisis was "provoked" by US actions, echoing the German attribution of responsibility, while emphasising the broader instability created by American military interventions.

The tentative reopening now hangs on the implementation of the Tehran–Washington understanding and the willingness of all parties to de‑escalate. German officials, while not participating in the military campaign, are pushing for a diplomatic track that respects the roles of Iran and Oman. No new negotiations have been scheduled, but European diplomats say the fragile status of the strait will dominate talks at upcoming multilateral forums.