Europeans seek clarity on Donald Trump’s Iran war aims before considering warship request.

European countries on Monday sought greater clarity on Donald Trump’s plans for the war with Iran and cautioned that NATO should not be drawn into the conflict, as they weighed whether to support his call to deploy warships to bolster security in the Arabian Gulf.

The cautious response reflects deep unease among US allies about the United States–Israel war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28, and about being kept largely in the dark before and after the hostilities started.

Trump has urged several partners — including France, China, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom — to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. He said Washington was in talks with “about seven” countries but did not identify them or indicate when such a coalition might take shape.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that the UK “will not be drawn into the wider war,” adding that British troops should only be deployed in operations that are lawful and backed by a well-defined plan. However, he said London was exploring other ways to assist alongside allies.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump warned that a lack of support from allies could have consequences for the alliance, saying that “if there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlined that NATO should not play a role in the conflict. “NATO is a defensive alliance, not an interventionist one. That is precisely why NATO has no business being involved here,” he said, urging allies to treat one another with “the necessary respect” within the alliance.

While Merz said that “this Iranian regime must come to an end,” he cautioned that past experience suggests bombing it into submission is unlikely to be the right approach.

EU debates Trump’s demand

European leaders are also seeking clarity on how and when the conflict might end.

At a meeting in Brussels where European Union foreign ministers discussed Trump’s request, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Washington and Israel should define when they consider their military objectives achieved.

“We need more clarity here,” Wadephul told reporters.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said European allies also wanted to understand Trump’s “strategic goals — what will be the plan?”

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said any request should go through NATO channels. Referring to Article 4 of NATO’s founding treaty — which allows consultations if a member’s security is threatened — he said Poland would consider any such request “very carefully.”

Acting in Europe’s interests

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it remained in Europe’s interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Kallas had urged the bloc’s 27 member states to expand the EU’s Operation Aspides mission — currently protecting shipping in the Red Sea — into the Arabian Gulf. But after chairing the meeting, she acknowledged there had been “no appetite” among member states to broaden its mandate.

She also warned that threats to maritime security remain serious, noting the risk that Houthi movement fighters from Yemen could enter the conflict.

So far, the Iran-backed Houthis have stayed on the sidelines even as the war has spread across the Middle East, raising questions about whether — and when — the battle-hardened group might join the fight.

It remains unclear whether some European countries might form a “coalition of the willing” outside NATO to provide naval protection for shipping.

Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of US Army forces in Europe, said the issue ultimately rests with individual countries rather than the alliance itself.

“This is not a NATO issue,” he said. “It’s up to individual nations who are also members of NATO to decide if they want to deploy capabilities to secure the Strait of Hormuz.”

In an interview with the Associated Press, Hodges said many European leaders view the conflict as “a war of choice by the United States,” and may question why their forces — including the Royal Navy — should take part.

Still, he acknowledged that Europe has a strong interest in keeping oil and gas flowing through the strait.

The war has already pushed global energy prices sharply higher, with Brent crude rising more than 40%. It has also disrupted global supply chains beyond oil, affecting pharmaceuticals from India, semiconductors from Asia and fertilizer products derived from Middle Eastern oil.

Cargo ships are either stranded in the Gulf or taking a far longer route around the southern tip of Africa. Air cargo flights from the Middle East have also been grounded. Analysts warn that the longer the conflict drags on, the more likely it is to trigger shortages and higher prices for a wide range of goods worldwide.

Emmanuel Macron has said France is discussing with partners in Europe, India and across Asia a possible mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed it could only happen when “the circumstances permit” and once fighting has subsided.

French officials said the Netherlands, Italy and Greece have shown interest in the idea, while Spain may also contribute in some capacity.

Starmer added that Britain is also discussing with the US and partners in Europe and the Gulf the possible deployment of mine-hunting drones already stationed in the region.