European Nations Firmly Reject Trump's Call to Deploy Naval Forces to Strait of Hormuz

European nations have rejected a call from the United States to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that they do not intend to become militarily involved in the escalating conflict with Iran. This position was conveyed by European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on Monday, 16 March 2026, following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, whilst stressing that Europe has “no interest in endless war.”

Kallas highlighted that the European Union is focused on strengthening maritime security but affirmed that there is no desire among member states to expand current operations such as Operation Aspides in the Red Sea or to extend them to the Strait of Hormuz.

“No one wants to actively engage in this war,” she said, noting that the bloc’s priority remains maintaining freedom of navigation and intensifying diplomatic efforts.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the same sentiment, underlining that EU naval missions tasked with escorting commercial vessels and conducting anti-piracy operations are not designed to operate in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are willing to strengthen these missions,” he said, “but I believe these missions cannot be expanded to include the Strait of Hormuz.”

Germany also rejected sending forces to the Gulf. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Berlin “will not do so” and called for a swift political solution to the conflict.

Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned that deploying forces outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) area would require legal approval and parliamentary consent.

“This is not our war; we did not start it. We want a diplomatic solution and swift resolution of the conflict,” he said.