European countries have ruled out sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz, despite threats from US President Donald Trump that NATO faces 'a very bad future' if members fail to help reopen the vital waterway. Germany, the UK, and Italy have all expressed reluctance to engage in military action, emphasising diplomatic solutions instead.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany would not participate in any military activity, including efforts to reopen the strait. 'There was never a joint decision on whether to intervene. That is why the question of how Germany might contribute militarily does not arise. We will not do so,' he said. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius questioned the need for European frigates, asking, 'What does Donald Trump expect from a handful of European frigates in the Strait of Hormuz that the mighty US navy cannot manage alone?'
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be 'drawn into the wider war' but was working on 'a viable plan' to reopen the strait, which carries about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied fossil gas. He did not rule out any form of action but stressed it would need to be agreed by 'as many partners as possible'. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that 'diplomacy needs to prevail' and cast doubt on extending the remit of existing EU naval missions to the area.
The positions are notable because these countries had avoided criticising Trump over his decision, alongside Israel, to attack Iran 16 days ago. Australia, France, and Japan have also said they have no plans to send warships. EU foreign ministers decided against extending the mandate of their small naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, to the Strait of Hormuz, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noting 'no appetite in changing the mandate'.
Trump reiterated his call for allies to help reopen shipping, saying 'some are very enthusiastic about it and some aren't'. He expressed dissatisfaction with the UK but predicted its involvement. In an interview, he warned that a negative response would be 'very bad for the future of NATO'. European ministers have called for clarity on US and Israeli war aims, with Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna asking, 'What will be the plan?'
