Europe Declines Trump’s Request for Military Support in Strait of Hormuz

European Union leaders have resisted pressure from US President Donald Trump to join efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions from the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Speaking ahead of a meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers made clear they were reluctant to commit forces without a clearer understanding of Washington’s strategy.

Trump had called on major allies, including NATO members, to send ships to the strait, warning that failure to act would harm the alliance’s future.

US officials have been lobbying for support and hope to unveil a coalition soon, though specifics remain uncertain.

Germany firmly ruled out participation. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin would not engage in military action during the conflict.

“We expect from the US and Israel to inform us… and to tell us if these goals are achieved,” he said, stressing the need for clarity before any next steps.

Officials in Berlin also emphasised that NATO had not taken any decision on the matter. A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that “this is not NATO’s war.”

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius echoed that stance, questioning the effectiveness of European naval deployments compared to US capabilities.

Across Europe, similar caution prevailed. Greece and Italy ruled out involvement, while Poland said it would only consider participation through NATO mechanisms.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen suggested Europe should remain open to ensuring navigation security but focus on reducing tensions.

The UK said it was working with partners on a plan to reopen the strait, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressing that Britain would avoid being drawn into a broader conflict.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said discussions would centre on what role member states are willing to play, as the closure of the strait continues to push oil prices above $100 per barrel.

She noted that the disruption was indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine due to higher energy revenues.

Separately, the International Energy Agency said it stood ready to release additional oil reserves after deploying 400 million barrels.

Executive Director Fatih Birol said the disruption had already exceeded previous crises, including 1973, calling it the “largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.”

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