European leaders have rejected calls by Donald Trump for allied military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continue to disrupt global oil markets.
Foreign ministers from the European Union met in Brussels to assess the growing crisis, with energy prices soaring following the escalation in the Middle East. The strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments, has become a focal point of concern as the conflict intensifies.
Trump had urged countries including the UK, China, France, Japan and South Korea, along with NATO allies, to deploy naval forces to secure the strait. He warned that failure to act could have serious implications for the future of NATO.
However, European governments responded cautiously, with several leaders declining to commit military resources while the conflict remains active. Diplomats said there was a lack of clarity over the objectives and duration of the military campaign.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, said Berlin would not participate in military operations linked to the conflict. He stressed the need for clear communication from the US and Israel regarding their goals and timelines before any further steps could be considered.
His position was echoed by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who questioned what additional role European naval forces could realistically play alongside US military capabilities. A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz also emphasized that the conflict was not a NATO mission.
Other European nations adopted similar positions. Greece ruled out involvement in any military operations in the strait, while Italy said it had no plans to extend naval missions to the area. Estonia and Poland called for clearer strategic direction from Washington, with Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski stating that any request should be formally made through NATO channels.
Denmark struck a more flexible tone, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen urging Europe to remain open to supporting freedom of navigation, while prioritising de-escalation efforts.
The United Kingdom signalled a willingness to work with allies on a coordinated approach but ruled out being drawn into a broader conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said efforts were ongoing to develop a plan to reopen the strait.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said discussions were focused on what member states were prepared to do to ensure safe passage through the waterway, noting that reopening the strait was now an urgent priority.
The disruption has pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising fears of wider economic fallout. Kallas warned that the spike in energy prices could indirectly benefit Russia by boosting revenues tied to its war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said it stood ready to release additional oil reserves if needed. The agency recently deployed a record 400 million barrels to stabilise supply, describing the situation as the largest disruption in global oil market history.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said existing reserves could provide temporary relief but warned that long-term stability depends on restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
