An oil tanker frames an Iranian gunboat as it patrols the Strait of Hormuz. (Credit: X Screenshot)
Officials in Australia, France and Japan said they currently have no plans to send warships to escort vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Several NATO member states have rejected a request by US President Donald Trump to participate in protecting ships and oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, with European leaders saying the mission should not involve their forces, Arutz Sheva reported.
The dispute emerged after President Trump called on alliance members to assist in securing maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
A number of governments quickly indicated they would not deploy naval vessels to join the effort.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the proposal and questioned the need for European participation.
“This is not our war. We did not start it. What does Donald Trump expect from a handful of European frigates in the Strait of Hormuz that the mighty U.S. Navy cannot handle on its own? That’s the question I find myself asking,” Pistorius said.
Berlin also rejected the request at the government level. A spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the alliance’s mandate does not cover such a mission.
“NATO is an alliance for the defense of territories,” the spokesperson said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer likewise opposed sending forces to participate in a conflict involving Iran, saying the United Kingdom would not join military operations in the region.
“Britain will not be dragged into a wider war but is working on a sustainable plan. Ultimately, we must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the oil market. This is not a simple task,” Starmer said.
Italy also voiced opposition. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the focus should remain on diplomacy rather than expanding military operations.
“Diplomacy must prevail,” Tajani said.
Other governments have also indicated they do not intend to contribute naval forces.
Officials in Australia, France and Japan said they currently have no plans to send warships to escort vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump had previously warned that a refusal by NATO partners to assist could damage the alliance.
“If NATO countries do not help protect ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” he said.
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