European countries reject Trump’s call for help to reopen strait of Hormuz
European Nations Decline to Deploy Naval Forces to Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump has urged NATO allies to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but European countries have declined to send warships to the critical waterway. The US president warned that the alliance faces “a very bad future” if members do not act, yet Germany, the UK, and others have resisted military involvement.
Germany’s Stance on Military Intervention
Germany explicitly stated it would not participate in any military operation, including efforts to secure the strait. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that “there was never a joint decision on intervening,” adding that “Germany will not contribute militarily” to the conflict. While Merz called for the Iranian regime’s end, he argued that “bombing it into submission” is unlikely to be the optimal strategy.
“This is not our war, we have not started it,” said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. “What does Donald Trump expect from a handful of European frigates when the US navy alone cannot manage the strait?”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the nation would avoid entanglement in the broader regional war, though he highlighted the necessity of “a viable plan” to restore shipping through the strait. “Reopening the strait is essential for energy stability, but it’s not a simple task,” he noted.
European leaders prioritized diplomacy over military action, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global oil and liquefied fossil gas. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani asserted that “diplomacy needs to prevail,” and his country had no plans to extend its naval missions into the area.
“Our current missions are focused on anti-piracy and defense,” Tajani said. “Expanding their scope to the strait would require a clear rationale.”
The EU’s foreign ministers met on Monday to discuss the matter, ultimately rejecting proposals to broaden Operation Aspides’ mandate. EU Chief Kaja Kallas noted that “there was no appetite to alter the mission’s focus,” despite calls for its strengthening.
European officials sought clarity on the strategic goals of the US and Israel’s recent military campaign. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna remarked that allies wanted to understand Trump’s “vision for the future” and “the plan” to achieve it.
Israel, meanwhile, announced it had launched a “wave of strikes targeting infrastructure” in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. The country also claimed overnight attacks destroyed an aircraft associated with Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at Mehrabad airport. Israeli officials stated the plane was used for domestic and international travel by senior Iranian figures.
“Detailed operational plans are in place for the next three weeks,” said an Israeli military spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani.
Despite Trump’s repeated pressure, European nations have maintained a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for consensus before committing to military efforts in the region.
