European nations have rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call for warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite his warnings that NATO faces 'a very bad future' without their support. Leaders from Germany, the UK, and Italy stressed diplomatic solutions over military intervention in the wake of US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ruled out any military contribution, stating: '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.' Defence Minister Boris Pistorius questioned the need for European frigates when the US navy is already present.
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 a fifth of the world's oil. He did not rule out action but insisted it must involve 'as many partners as possible'.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that 'diplomacy needs to prevail' and cast doubt on extending existing EU naval missions to the area. EU foreign ministers declined to alter the mandate of Operation Aspides, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noting 'no appetite' for change.
Trump, who has threatened NATO's future over the issue, expressed displeasure with the UK but predicted eventual involvement. Meanwhile, Israel continued strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including a plane used by the late supreme leader, as the conflict widens.
