Stefan Cornelius stated that as long as the war continues, there will be no participation, even in efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open through military means. This statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned that the alliance faces a “very bad future” if allies do not contribute to opening the strait.
President Trump called on allied nations earlier this week to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, amidst the third week of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The US President stated that his administration has contacted seven countries, though he did not specify which ones. In a previous post on social media, he expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other nations would join these efforts.
Diplomats and officials indicated that European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss supporting a small naval mission in the Middle East on Monday, though expanding its mandate to include the closed strait is not expected. The EU’s Aspides mission was established in 2024 to protect ships from attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Sunday that the Aspides mission, named after the Greek word for shields, has not been effective in carrying out its current tasks. He expressed strong skepticism during an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, adding that expanding the mission to include the Strait of Hormuz would not enhance security.
