European leaders have rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand to help clear the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over the escalating conflict with Iran. The EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss the issue, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating that Berlin has no intention of joining military operations. Other EU countries, including Greece, Italy, and Poland, also expressed skepticism about Trump’s proposal
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has “no appetite” to shift the mandate of the EU naval mission Aspides in the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO has not made any decision on assuming responsibilities in the Strait of Hormuz, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson stating that “it is not NATO’s war”.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices soaring above $100 per barrel, benefiting Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is prepared to release more oil reserves if needed, amid the “largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market”