European leaders have publicly rebuffed a call from former U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO allies to contribute naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The demand was reportedly made during a recent meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
In a statement, German conservative leader Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for mutual respect within the alliance. "I hope that we will treat one another with the necessary respect within the alliance," Merz said, in comments widely interpreted as a response to Trump's criticism of European defense spending.
Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel also voiced skepticism, questioning the strategic logic and timing of such a unilateral demand. Other European diplomats, speaking on background, indicated there is no consensus for a new, NATO-branded naval mission in the Persian Gulf, with many preferring existing diplomatic channels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments. Tensions in the region have periodically flared, but European nations have been cautious about military deployments that could escalate conflicts with Iran.
