Trump Urged to Send Troops to Strait of Hormuz; Europe Firmly Rejects

European nations have collectively rejected calls from US President Donald Trump to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz. European countries have made clear that they do not intend to become militarily involved in the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, according to Anadolu Agency, stated on Tuesday (17 March 2026) that EU member states “have no desire to actively engage in military action against Iran”.

In a statement issued following a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, Belgium, Kallas emphasised that Europe is “not interested in an endless war”. She also stated that war against Iran is not “Europe’s war”.

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

“No one wants to actively be involved in this war,” she asserted, whilst emphasising that the EU’s priority remains maintaining freedom of navigation and intensifying diplomatic efforts.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed this position, underscoring that the EU naval mission tasked with escorting merchant vessels and conducting anti-piracy operations is not designed to operate in the Strait of Hormuz.

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

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

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also rejected US pressure to join military efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasised that Britain “will not be drawn into a wider war”.

Poland and Belgium also rejected US calls to deploy naval assets, reaffirming their focus on diplomacy and regional stability.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski even criticised Trump for portraying NATO as separate from the US whilst pressing European participation in US military operations in the Gulf region. Meanwhile, Belgian Foreign Minister Bart De Wever affirmed that his country will not join in any attacks alongside the US and Israel.