U.S. Organizes Coalition to Escort Shipping in Persian Gulf, Why Aren't Europeans on Board?

(Source: Shangguan News)

U.S. President Trump has called on European allies to help ensure the safe passage of oil and natural gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, becoming a major topic at the recent EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels. After Iran announced the closure of the Strait and restrictions on most shipping, global energy markets experienced intense volatility, with international oil prices soaring rapidly. The U.S. hopes to quickly form a “escort coalition” composed of NATO and European allies to deploy warships and provide security for the tankers. However, this proposal has not received a positive response from European allies. Instead, during discussions in Brussels, most European countries showed cautious or even indifferent attitudes. For Europe, this is not just a maritime escort mission but a complex strategic consideration involving war responsibilities, alliance relations, and energy security.

European Caution

During the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting, several European leaders expressed clear reservations about the U.S. proposal, emphasizing that the conflict does not fall under NATO’s scope for intervention.

German Foreign Minister Baerbock told the media before the meeting that Berlin currently has no intention of participating in any military actions during the conflict. She stressed that only when the situation becomes clearer in the future might Europe consider engaging in discussions with regional countries about building an overall security framework for the Middle East. The UK also expressed similar positions, with Prime Minister Sunak emphasizing that the UK would not be drawn into a larger-scale war. Other European countries, including Greece and Italy, also adopted cautious stances.

A few countries showed relatively open attitudes; for example, Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen said that even if Europe does not support U.S.-led military action against Iran, it should remain open to exploring ways to ensure freedom of navigation. Polish Foreign Minister Skołowski reminded that the U.S. should formally request assistance through NATO mechanisms. “If NATO receives a formal request, we will certainly consider it very carefully.”

Europe’s cautious stance is not accidental but the result of multiple factors. First, concerns over the risk of escalation into a larger regional war. If escort operations lead to direct conflict with Iran, the situation could quickly escalate. For Europe, already experiencing the Russia-Ukraine conflict and energy crises, further involvement in the Middle East is not an ideal choice. Second, uncertainty about U.S. strategic goals. Estonian Foreign Minister Chakhna publicly stated that European allies want to understand the long-term strategy of the Trump administration, not just a temporary military action. Lithuania and others also expressed similar views, noting that without clear objectives and exit mechanisms, rushing into military involvement is highly risky. Lastly, domestic political pressures also influence European decisions. Many countries’ publics are cautious about overseas military actions, especially amid economic pressures and rising energy prices, leading governments to prefer avoiding new military adventures.

Strategic Dilemmas

The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East has plunged Europe into a complex and sensitive strategic dilemma: on one hand, Europe needs to continue supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on Russia; on the other hand, the instability in the Middle East has caused energy prices to soar, forcing Europe to face energy supply tensions. Under this double pressure, Europe finds it difficult to fully follow the U.S. in expanding military actions, yet also reluctant to remain completely passive.

First, the energy shocks caused by the war are rapidly increasing Europe’s economic burden. Due to the escalation of Middle Eastern conflicts, European natural gas and oil prices have surged significantly. In just ten days after Iran’s conflict erupted, European taxpayers paid an additional approximately 3 billion euros for fossil fuel imports. Europe is neither a major oil nor natural gas producer and relies heavily on imports, placing it at a “structural disadvantage” in global energy competition. The turbulence in the Middle East has once again exposed this fragility.

Second, Europe is increasingly worried that the energy crisis could indirectly strengthen Russia’s geopolitical leverage. Currently, international oil prices have risen to their highest levels since the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, with Russia once again viewed by some countries as a potential energy supplier. Although the EU remains committed to gradually reducing dependence on Russian energy, internal debates are intensifying under the pressure.

Third, the sudden outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict may weaken Europe’s ability to support Ukraine’s security, as some defense resources originally allocated for aid to Ukraine are being diverted to the Middle East. Especially, the U.S.-produced Patriot missile defense systems are becoming a key resource in the competition between the two conflicts.

Furthermore, historical experience shows that Europe’s stance on whether to follow the U.S. into war has undergone significant changes. For a long period after the Cold War, Europe often closely followed U.S. military actions. For example, after 9/11, NATO invoked its collective defense clause, and European countries participated collectively in the Afghanistan war; in 2003, although the U.S.-led Iraq War lacked UN authorization, countries like the UK chose to stand with the U.S. However, in recent years, Europe has shown increasing independence in security policy. From Libya to the Iran nuclear deal, and defense autonomy discussions during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Europe is paying more attention to its strategic interests. Europe is reluctant to openly oppose the U.S. and also hesitant to bear the costs of U.S. Middle East strategies again.

Therefore, Europe’s approach appears to be a “cautious balancing”: avoiding direct military intervention while maintaining diplomatic efforts to ensure the stability of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. It is foreseeable that if the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict prolongs, differences between Europe and the U.S. on Middle East strategies may further emerge. For Europe, finding a new balance among energy security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and transatlantic alliance will be one of the most challenging strategic issues in the near future.

(Author: Associate Researcher at the Institute of Middle East and Eastern Europe Economic and Trade Cooperation, Ningbo University)

Original Title: “U.S. Builds Escort for Persian Gulf, Why Is Europe Not Supporting?”

Chief Editor: Liu Chang Text Editor: Yu Runkun Cover Image Source: Xinhua News Agency

Source: Author: Li Zhengdong