Germany's Ramstein Air Base has become the central command hub for the entire U.S. military campaign against Iran, handling drone operations, long-range strike coordination, communications and data relay for Operation Epic Fury. The base anchors a constant air bridge between the U.S., Europe and the Gulf, with C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft ferrying personnel, munitions and equipment into the region.
The scope of Germany's logistical role in the conflict stands in stark contrast to Berlin's public rhetoric, "Hvylya" reports, citing The Wall Street Journal.
Both Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have repeatedly stressed that Germany is not participating in military action against Iran, emphasizing that "this isn't our war." Yet the infrastructure Berlin hosts and facilitates makes those very operations possible.
A spokesman for Merz said the U.S. was able to use Ramstein and other installations under legal agreements going back decades, and that the German government "had no influence" over American operations conducted from its soil.
Beyond Ramstein, other U.S. installations in Germany play supporting roles. Spangdahlem Air Base and the command headquarters in Stuttgart contribute to force deployment and strategic planning. The biggest U.S. military hospital outside America is also located near Ramstein.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top military commander, told the Senate that most European allies "have been extremely supportive." Some U.S. aircraft previously stationed in Spain - which denied Washington permission to use its bases for Iran strikes - have been relocated to bases in Germany and France.
Also read: Elbridge Colby at CFR: NATO 3.0, Iran War, Ukraine Arms, and the New US Defense Strategy Explained.