European Allies Decline Trump’s Call for Military Help in Strait of Hormuz

European allies are refusing President Trump's request to send naval vessels to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blocked the crucial shipping lane. Germany's defense minister questioned what European ships could accomplish that the U.S. Navy cannot, while other nations expressed reluctance to join the conflict.

European allies are declining President Donald Trump’s appeal for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that Iran has effectively shut down following recent U.S.-Israeli military operations.

The strategic waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, was blocked by Iran using drones, missiles, and mines after Tehran retaliated against attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.

NATO member countries, many of whom have faced Trump’s criticism in recent months, are showing hesitation about getting involved in the confrontation with Iran, despite typically being cautious about defying Washington.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the request during remarks in Berlin on Monday. “What does Donald Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the powerful U.S. navy cannot do?” Pistorius questioned, dismissing Trump’s warnings about potential consequences for NATO members who refuse to assist.

“This is not our war, we have not started it,” Pistorius stated.

A German government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, emphasized that the situation falls outside NATO’s scope and that Germany will not participate. “Neither the United States nor Israel consulted us before the war, and Washington explicitly stated at the outset of the war that European assistance was neither necessary nor desired,” Kornelius explained.

However, some European officials indicated limited willingness to contribute to a solution.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed that the bloc is exploring options with the United Nations, potentially modeling efforts after agreements that have allowed Ukrainian grain exports during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The European Union is also considering whether to expand its existing Middle East naval operation, Aspides, which currently safeguards vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, to cover the Strait of Hormuz region, according to Kallas.

Greece, however, which oversees the Aspides mission, announced through government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis that it will restrict its Middle Eastern involvement to Red Sea operations only.

China’s foreign ministry announced Monday that Beijing is engaging with all parties involved in an effort to reduce tensions surrounding the strait.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to collaborating with allies on a joint approach to ensure safe passage through the waterway, though he acknowledged the challenges ahead and reiterated that the United Kingdom would avoid involvement in a broader conflict. Starmer mentioned that Britain possesses autonomous mine-detection technology that could prove useful.

Denmark’s position suggested the EU should pursue reopening the strait regardless of disagreements with the conflict itself. “Even if we don’t like what’s going on, I think it’s wise to keep an open mind on whether Europe in some way can contribute, but with a view towards de-escalation,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

Several other European nations firmly rejected involvement. Spain indicated it would avoid any actions that might intensify the conflict, while Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned that deploying military vessels to a combat zone would constitute joining the war.

“Italy is not at war with anyone and sending military ships in a war zone would mean entering the war,” Salvini told reporters in Milan.