TLDR
- Major NATO members have declined involvement in any US-led Strait of Hormuz military deployment
- Key European officials describe the Iran confrontation as outside NATO’s defensive mandate
- Crude oil has surged past $100 per barrel following disruptions to strait shipping
- The European Union’s Aspides naval operation will not expand into the contested waters
- Trump issued warnings about NATO’s future following the refusal of his military request
Military actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iran have been ongoing since late February. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for approximately 20% of global oil shipments, has experienced severe disruptions. This has pushed crude prices beyond the $100 per barrel threshold.
During the weekend, Trump requested that NATO member states deploy naval vessels to assist in reopening the strategic waterway. The response from most European capitals was negative.
US allies in Europe and NATO have declined Trump’s demands to get involved in the Iran war to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, stated that his government would not participate in military actions. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was equally blunt, declaring: “This is not our war. We have not started it.”
A spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the situation “has nothing to do with NATO,” characterizing the alliance as one designed “for the defence of territory.”
European Leaders Push Back
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that a Hormuz Strait deployment was never envisioned as a NATO-led effort, stating the UK would “not be drawn into the wider war.” However, he acknowledged ongoing discussions about deploying British mine-detection drones currently stationed in the region.
Several other nations—Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Lithuania—voiced concerns about the proposal. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten characterized it as “very difficult to launch a successful mission there in the short term.”
The Baltic states of Estonia and Lithuania indicated willingness to discuss the American proposal but demanded greater operational clarity. “What will be the plan?” asked Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Denmark’s top diplomat suggested Europe maintain an “open mind” regarding navigation rights in the strait, despite opposition to the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Poland indicated it would give proper consideration to any formal request channeled through NATO’s official procedures.
Oil Markets and Crypto React
The surge in oil prices beyond $100 per barrel has created volatility across energy markets. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy representative, noted that the strait’s disruption benefits Russia by generating increased energy revenue to finance its Ukraine offensive.
The European Union’s Aspides operation, launched in 2024 to counter Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping, will not be extended. Following consultations in Brussels, Kallas reported “no appetite” for expansion.
France indicated potential willingness to broaden the Aspides framework and suggested it might contribute a vessel. Trump claimed French President Macron had expressed France’s readiness to provide assistance.
By Tuesday, Trump declared via Truth Social that American forces no longer required NATO participation, stating “WE NEVER DID.” He announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would identify which nations were prepared to contribute.
In comments to the Financial Times, Trump cautioned that NATO confronts a “very bad” future should allies ignore his appeal.
