Europe Declines Trump’s Request For Warships To Free Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz - Wikipedia

By Stefan J. Bos - Posted at Worthy News:

Published March 16, 2026

THE HAGUE/BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – In an unprecedented rebuke to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, European countries on Monday declined his request to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas until its effective closure by Iran.

Despite Trump’s renewed threats that the NATO military alliance faces “a very bad future” if members fail to help free the waterway, major powers including Germany ruled out participation in any military activity.

“There was never a joint decision on whether to intervene. That is why the question of how Germany might contribute militarily does not arise. We will not do so,” said Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

He added that while “this Iranian regime must come to an end,” bombing it into submission would likely not be the right approach.

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said: “This is not our war. What does Donald Trump expect from a handful of European frigates that the mighty U.S. Navy cannot manage alone?”

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