Germany and Greece have declined to participate in an international effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran.
Over the weekend of March 14, US President Donald Trump said he was seeking to keep the Strait open for commerce, particularly oil cargoes, and reached out to other countries for help.
Germany and Greece have both made clear they will not contribute naval forces to any mission aimed at securing or reopening the critical waterway.
The conflict in Iran, which erupted with coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets on February 28, has entered its third week.
Iranian forces have since harassed or attacked commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which about one-fifth of global oil passes, effectively hampering world trade.
Tehran has declared the Strait closed to vessels linked to the US and its allies, while setting conditions for passage that many shippers deem unacceptable.
This has driven up insurance premiums dramatically, halted much tanker traffic and pushed global energy prices sharply higher.
Trump has repeatedly urged allies, including NATO members and others, to deploy warships to escort commercial vessels and restore free navigation.
He has warned that failure to assist could have serious consequences for alliances, including NATO’s future.
Within the European Union, foreign ministers met in Brussels today to discuss options, including potentially expanding Operation Aspides. That is the EU’s existing naval mission launched in 2024 to counter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to cover the Strait of Hormuz.
The mission currently involves limited contributions, including vessels from France, Greece and Italy.
Germany has firmly rejected participation. Foreign minister Johann Wadephul told ARD television yesterday that Berlin has “no intention” of becoming an active part of the conflict.
He expressed strong scepticism about extending Aspides, arguing the mission has “not been effective” in its current Red Sea role.
“That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” Wadephul said.
He emphasised that security for the Strait requires a negotiated solution rather than military escalation and stressed Europe should offer constructive support for sea routes without direct involvement in the war.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius said: “It isn’t our war. We didn’t start it.”
Greece has likewise declined to engage militarily in the Strait of Hormuz. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis confirmed today that Athens will not participate in operations there.
Greece contributes a vessel to Aspides in the Red Sea but officials have made clear this commitment will not extend to the Persian Gulf.
The decision reflects concerns over naval overstretch – with existing duties in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean patrols amid tensions with Turkey and migration-related missions – as well as a desire to avoid deeper entanglement in the escalating war.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted the strategic importance of the Strait for European energy security and said the bloc is weighing options to help keep it open.
France has signalled readiness to bolster contributions with additional frigates but no broad consensus for a Hormuz-specific mission has emerged.
Denmark is also open to sending help, with foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen telling local media today: “I think we should have an open mind in terms of how we can help to keep the free sailing free.
“We have not wanted this war and we have called for de-escalation, but having said that, we will have to look at how we can contribute,” Løkke added.
Other member states remain cautious with diplomats, indicating no immediate decision on expansion is expected.
