On Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that NATO allies have declined to support U.S. military operations against Iran. This comment highlights rising divisions within the Western alliance as efforts to form a naval coalition to protect the Strait of Hormuz seem to be failing.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned that “most” NATO countries refused to join the operation. He criticized these allies for benefiting from U.S. security while not contributing when it is needed. He also claimed that the U.S. does not "need, or desire" help from allies, referring to what he called the destruction of Iran's military capabilities.
These statements come as it becomes clear that Washington's attempt to create a multinational naval escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz has not gained support.
Reports from Reuters indicate that several key U.S. partners, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, have declined requests to send warships to help protect commercial shipping through this vital waterway, which has been largely quiet after weeks of missile, drone, and maritime attacks associated with the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran.
Germany, as Europe's largest economy and a crucial NATO member, provided one of the most significant rejections. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, “We will not participate in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by military means,” emphasizing that the situation is “not a matter for NATO.”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was even more straightforward, questioning the rationale for allies to get involved, asking, “This is not our war… What does Donald Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do… that the powerful U.S. Navy cannot do?”
Berlin also pointed out the lack of a United Nations, European Union, or NATO mandate, as well as the absence of prior consultations before U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran.
Other European nations have echoed similar sentiments. Spain and Italy have indicated they will not send naval forces, while other partners, including the United Kingdom and Denmark, are hesitant to commit ships, stating they are still considering their options.
This hesitation highlights the political and military risks of escorting merchant ships through a narrow channel where Iranian forces can launch missiles, use drones, and possibly lay naval mines—all near passing vessels.
Currently, the idea of a NATO-style coalition to restore navigation freedom in Hormuz seems less likely.
This diplomatic divide occurs as commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz faces significant disruptions.
This crucial waterway, which usually carries about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, has seen a major drop in traffic, with only a few vessels passing daily compared to over 100 under normal circumstances.
While maritime security updates suggest a temporary decrease in attacks, the threat level remains high. Risks from missiles, drones, electronic interference, and potential naval mines continue to deter shipowners and insurers from returning to the area.
Even with a $20 billion U.S.-backed maritime insurance facility aimed at stabilizing war-risk coverage, confidence among shippers has yet to recover.
Trump’s recent comments signal a noticeable change from earlier days, when the administration was pushing allies to contribute naval assets for the Hormuz escort mission.
Previously, the president argued that countries reliant on Gulf energy should help protect shipping lanes. Now, his statement saying the U.S. does not need allied support indicates a change in rhetoric following the lack of commitments.
For the shipping industry, the collapse of coalition-building efforts raises serious questions about how—and how quickly—traffic can resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
Without a broad multinational escort framework, securing the waterway may depend on unilateral U.S. naval operations or smaller, improvised coalitions, both of which might struggle to provide the necessary level of protection to restore commercial confidence.
For now, the world’s most critical energy chokepoint remains effectively shut—caught between a fragile pause in attacks and no clear path to reopening.