European leaders refuse to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for the USA

ArmInfo. More and more European countries are issuing statements that they do not intend to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz, despite calls from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following Trump’s demands, the German government stated it would not allow Berlin to be dragged into an "endless war." "This is not a NATO war (...). As long as the war continues, there will be no participation on our part," said German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius questioned Trump’s appeal, noting that NATO’s mission is to ensure the security of the alliance’s territory. "What does Donald Trump expect from, say, a few or a couple of European frigates in the Strait of Hormuz? Can such forces truly achieve what the powerful U.S. Navy cannot do there alone? That is the question I am asking myself," the Minister said.

As reported by the Financial Times, France has also refused the U.S. military presence in the Strait of Hormuz. A source told the publication that Paris would only be ready to deploy its ships once all hostilities between the U.S., Iran, and its neighbors have ceased.

Athens also noted that it has no plans to participate in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis pointed out that his country's involvement remains limited to the EU naval mission Aspides, which aims to protect vessels in the Red Sea.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his country would not participate in the conflict in the Middle East. He emphasized that lifting the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not a NATO mission.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stressed that Italy is not engaged in hostilities with anyone and therefore cannot send ships for actions against any party in the Iranian conflict.

Earlier on March 16, Trump stated that NATO faces a grim future if American allies do not provide assistance in ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 14, the American President stated that security in the Strait of Hormuz should be handled by the countries that receive oil through it.