European countries reject Trump’s call for help to reopen strait of Hormuz
European countries reject Trump’s call for help to reopen strait of Hormuz
European nations have declined to deploy naval forces to the critical waterway, despite former US president Donald Trump’s warning that Nato could face “a very bad future” if allies did not assist in reopening the strait of Hormuz. Germany, among others, has explicitly stated it would not take part in any military operation. “There was never a collective agreement to intervene,” noted Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing that Germany’s involvement was not under consideration. “We will not act in this manner,” he added.
Merz also expressed support for the Iranian regime’s removal but cautioned against aggressive tactics. “Bombing them into submission is unlikely to be the optimal strategy,” he said, based on past experiences. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is not our war, we have not initiated it.” He questioned the effectiveness of European contributions, remarking, “What does Donald Trump expect from a few frigates when the powerful US navy cannot handle the situation alone?”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK’s stance, asserting the nation would not be “drawn into the broader conflict.” However, he acknowledged the importance of stabilizing the strait for global energy markets. “Reopening Hormuz is no easy task,” he said, adding that any action would require broad European consensus.
EU diplomacy takes center stage
European foreign ministers convened on Monday and opted against expanding their modest Red Sea naval mission to cover the strait of Hormuz. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the proposal to adjust Operation Aspides’ mandate as lacking widespread support. “There was a clear desire to enhance this operation, but no eagerness to alter its purpose,” she said.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reinforced the emphasis on diplomacy, stating, “Diplomacy must take precedence.” His country has not engaged in any naval missions in the area, and he doubted extending current EU operations, which focus on anti-piracy and defensive roles, to the strategic waterway.
The reluctance of major European powers to criticize Trump’s alliance with Israel over recent attacks on Iran has drawn attention. While the US and Israel launched strikes 16 days ago, European leaders have remained focused on understanding the strategic goals of the conflict. “We need clarity on the US and Israel’s objectives,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, highlighting the desire for a coordinated plan.
Greece, which hosts the headquarters for Operation Aspides, also confirmed it would not participate in military actions within the strait. Meanwhile, Israel announced it had initiated a “comprehensive strike campaign targeting key infrastructure” in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. The nation claimed overnight strikes had destroyed a plane previously used by Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at Mehrabad airport in Tehran.
“Detailed operational plans are in place for the next three weeks,” said an Israeli military spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani, describing the targeted strikes as part of a broader effort to disrupt Iranian coordination with allies.
