The former head of Dutch defense forces says that the Netherlands should not take part in a U.S.-led mission to protect shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz if the aim of the operation is to pile more pressure on Iran.
The comments by Dick Berlijn were published on Tuesday in the De Volkskrant daily as Dutch Cabinet ministers held an informal meeting to discuss strategy after Parliament's summer break.
Among key foreign policy issues facing Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling coalition are U.S. requests to take part in operations in Syria and the Persian Gulf crisis with Iran.
A supertanker hosting an Iranian flag is seen on the water in the British territory of Gibraltar, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. Authorities in Gibraltar on Sunday rejected the United States' latest request not to release a seized Iranian supertanker, clearing the way for the vessel to set sail after being detained last month for allegedly attempting to breach European Union sanctions on Syria. (AP PhotoMarcos Moreno)
Britain is so far been the only U.S. ally to express willingness to join a maritime security mission. European nations are reluctant, and Germany has said it will not be involved.