European leaders have rejected calls from Donald Trump to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalate in the Middle East conflict involving Iran.
The strait is one of the most important energy routes in the world, carrying around one fifth of global oil shipments.
Despite the strategic importance of the waterway, several European governments have ruled out military involvement.
Germany rules out military role
Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin would not participate in any military action linked to reopening the strait.
“This is not our war, we have not started it,” Pistorius said.
He also questioned what European warships could realistically achieve in the area given the size and strength of the United States navy.
A spokesperson for German chancellor Friedrich Merz added that NATO’s mandate focuses on defending member territory rather than participating in external conflicts.
UK urges diplomatic solution
British prime minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would not be drawn into a wider regional war.
However, he acknowledged that reopening the strait is important for global energy stability.
Starmer said any action would need to be coordinated with international partners rather than taken unilaterally.
Diplomatic approach across Europe
European governments have largely emphasised diplomacy rather than military intervention.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said diplomatic efforts must take priority.
He also ruled out expanding existing European naval missions to the Strait of Hormuz.
Global tensions rising
The crisis follows military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets earlier this month.
The conflict has disrupted energy supply routes and pushed global oil prices higher.
Drone incidents and attacks on shipping infrastructure have also been reported across the Gulf region, including near the Port of Fujairah and Dubai International Airport.
Iran rejects ceasefire
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the country was not seeking a ceasefire but insisted Iran did not want a prolonged war.
The crisis continues to spread across the region as global powers debate how to respond.
