European foreign ministers met in Brussels as oil prices climbed and the US and Israel continued military action against Iran.

When US President Donald Trump asked allies to step in and help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, European leaders politely declined. The bloc’s ministers met in Brussels to talk energy and security, but were clear that joining military operations in the Gulf was off the table for now.

What EU leaders told reporters

Germany was blunt. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin does not intend to participate in military operations tied to the conflict. He added that the United States and Israel need to keep Europe informed about goals and results, so the EU can then consider a wider security framework for the region together with neighboring states.

Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, said member states first need to clarify what they are willing to do in the strait. She warned that the closure of the waterway has already pushed oil above $100 a barrel and is indirectly helping Russia finance its war in Ukraine through higher energy revenues.

Where individual capitals stand

  • Greece: Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Greece will not take part in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Italy: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy is not engaged in any naval mission that could be extended to the area.
  • Denmark: Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Europe should keep an open mind about measures to ensure freedom of navigation, while stressing the need for a de-escalation focus.
  • United Kingdom: London said it is working on a collective plan to reopen the strait and restore navigation, but warned that this will be difficult.

Pressure from Washington, cautious response in Brussels

President Trump had urged a naval coalition to secure the strait, a route through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments normally transit. The request has increased pressure on EU capitals, but there is little appetite to be drawn into what many leaders see as a US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Journalists in Brussels reported that European leaders feel sidelined and are reluctant to join the fighting. They said the discussion in the meeting was more about practical ways to reopen the waterway than about committing warships to a naval campaign.

A naval option and alternative missions

France proposed expanding the EU's Aspides mission, a small naval operation set up in 2024 to protect ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Aspides currently has Italian and Greek vessels under direct command, and France may add ships if member states agree.

Germany was skeptical. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius asked what a handful of European frigates could realistically do in the strait that the United States Navy cannot handle. He also said this is not Germany's war and expressed confidence that NATO will not fall apart over the issue.

Energy, geopolitics and the bigger picture

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already disrupting markets and contributing to higher fuel costs for consumers. EU leaders are balancing those economic pressures with the political risk of being drawn into a wider conflict.

For now, the consensus in Brussels is cautious: explore options to reopen the waterway, push for information and coordination from Washington and Tel Aviv, and avoid turning up the military dial unless member states agree on a clear, collective plan focused on de-escalation.

Bottom line: Europe is willing to talk about solutions, but reluctant to join a naval fight in the Gulf without a clear, coordinated plan and firm political backing from member states.