US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU is not keen

US Pushes Europe to Secure Strait of Hormuz, EU Shows Caution

European Union foreign affairs ministers gathered in Brussels this week, with US President Donald Trump’s call for European assistance in protecting the Strait of Hormuz dominating discussions. The strait, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments, has seen tensions escalate as Iran closed it to most traffic in response to a US-Israeli military operation. Trump’s demands highlight his strategy to involve Europe more directly in the conflict, but not all EU members are eager to commit.

Russia Benefits from Energy Price Surge

Meanwhile, Russia is capitalizing on the rise in energy prices, which have strained Ukraine and its European allies. As the US pressures its partners, the EU’s role in safeguarding the strait remains uncertain. Charles Hecker, an expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), noted that European nations are hesitant to deploy troops, fearing they would become Iranian targets. “Adding them to the list of potential targets” is a key concern, he explained.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallass, emphasized the bloc’s interest in maintaining the strait’s openness but stopped short of endorsing a broader NATO involvement. She mentioned ongoing talks with US officials, yet final statements revealed a lack of enthusiasm for expanding the EU’s maritime mission. “There’s no appetite to increase our presence there for now,” Kallass stated, underscoring Europe’s cautious approach.

Energy prices across the continent have surged, exacerbating tensions between Europe and Washington. Since the conflict began, gas costs have climbed by 50%, while oil prices rose 27%. European taxpayers have already spent an additional €3 billion on fossil fuel imports in just 10 days, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This financial strain has complicated Europe’s willingness to act.

France Shows More Flexibility Than Germany

While Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul ruled out NATO’s role in securing the strait, France has expressed openness. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested his country might assist once the conflict’s most intense phase subsides. “Once the hottest phase of the war is over, we’ll be willing to help,” he said, highlighting a potential shift in European strategy.

“The only real winner from the war on Iran is Russia,” Hecker remarked, noting that the conflict’s outcome could strengthen Moscow’s position. He argued that Trump’s approach is designed to draw Europeans into the US and Israel’s campaign, leveraging uncertainty to secure support. However, he cautioned that the president’s threats against NATO remain unclear, leaving the bloc’s response in question.

Trump, in an interview with The Financial Times, insisted that those benefiting from the strait should shoulder its defense. “It’s appropriate for people who rely on the strait to ensure its safety,” he said. His comments have raised concerns about NATO’s unity, as some European allies question the strategic and financial implications of deeper involvement.