Maintaining a unified front of opposition, European nations have continued to reject Donald Trump’s war plans for the Strait of Hormuz, insisting on diplomatic solutions and refusing to provide the warships the US president has been demanding. Trump’s threats about NATO’s future produced no wavering in European policy, with governments across the continent holding firm to their positions and reinforcing each other’s resolve. The European unity on the issue stood in sharp contrast to the transatlantic divisions being exposed by the conflict more broadly.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius both reiterated their country’s opposition to any military involvement, with Merz arguing from historical precedent and Pistorius challenging the strategic logic of Trump’s request. Their statements continued to serve as anchors for the broader European position, with other European governments frequently echoing the German arguments in their own rejections. Germany’s role as the most vocal opponent of military engagement had become central to the European diplomatic effort.
Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom maintained his carefully constructed position, committing to a multilaterally developed plan while avoiding military pledges. He acknowledged the global stakes and stressed the need for broad international support before any action was taken. Trump’s frustration with London did not appear to have shifted British policy, and Starmer continued to prioritize the multilateral approach.
Italy, Greece, France, Japan, and Australia all maintained their positions of non-participation. The EU confirmed that Operation Aspides would not be expanded after Monday’s ministerial meeting. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted the absence of member state consensus for changing the mission’s mandate. Estonia continued to press for strategic clarity from Washington and Tel Aviv.
Fresh Israeli strikes on Iranian cities, retaliatory Iranian missile fire, and drone attacks on UAE energy and air infrastructure kept the conflict at a high pitch. Iran rejected ceasefire proposals and warned against US ground deployment. US military losses reached 13 dead and over 200 wounded, and rights organizations documented more than 1,800 deaths in Iran, the majority being civilians.