Several key United States allies pushed back on Monday against President Donald Trump’s request for military support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Germany explicitly stating that “this is not our war” and other European nations ruling out immediate participation.

Trump called on international partners to help police the vital waterway after Iran effectively shut the strait—through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes—using drones, missiles, and mines in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.

However, in a series of statements, allies made clear they had no plans to send ships to the Gulf.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius downplayed threats from Trump that failing to assist Washington could have consequences for NATO. “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 asked. A German government spokesperson added that the conflict had nothing to do with NATO, noting that Washington had initially stated European assistance was “neither necessary nor desired.”

Spain ruled out any action that could escalate the conflict, while Italy echoed the sentiment. “Italy is not at war with anyone and sending military ships in a war zone would mean entering the war,” said Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

Other allies were more cautious but stressed the need for de-escalation. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London would work with allies on a collective plan to secure freedom of navigation but reiterated that the UK would not be drawn into a wider war. Denmark suggested Europe should keep an open mind about contributing, but only with a view toward de-escalation.

The European Union is in talks with the United Nations about replicating a model used to export grain from Ukraine, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She added that the bloc is discussing whether to alter the mandate of its existing Aspides naval mission—currently protecting ships in the Red Sea—to potentially include the Strait of Hormuz. However, Greece, which leads that mission, said it would limit its participation to the Red Sea.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen cautioned that any potential NATO mission in the Gulf would take time to establish, stressing that “at this moment, no decision is on the table.”

Avec Reuters

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