US EditionGermany sceptical about expanding EUOperation Aspides in Strait of Hormuz
Germany refuses NATO involvement in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict, citing unclear military goals and economic risks while global oil prices surge 40%, EU debates expanded naval role.
- Several U.S. partners including Germany, Spain and Italy said they had no immediate plans to send ships to escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, March 16, 2026.
- As the war entered its third week, the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has largely shut the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
- Regional authorities reported large-scale interdictions and air strikes; oil loading at Fujairah was suspended, Dubai International Airport temporarily closed, and Saudi Arabia intercepted three drones.
- President Donald Trump voiced frustration with allies, calling some "not that enthusiastic" while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany lacked a United Nations, European Union or NATO mandate and was not consulted.
- Markets reacted after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. was "fine" to let some Iranian fuel vessels through; Fujairah handles Murban crude equal to roughly 1% of global demand, with violence escalating just days before Nowruz on March 20.
298 Articles
298 Articles
Trump criticises allies over rejection of Hormuz request
US President Donald Trump accused some Western allies of ingratitude after several countries rebuffed his demand to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continued to target oil facilities in the Gulf.
The Canberra Times
US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
Israel says it has drawn up plans for at least three more weeks of war as it hit...
Trump criticizes allies over rejection of Hormuz request; Iran, Israel trade airstrikes
US President Donald Trump accused some Western allies of ingratitude after several countries rebuffed his demand to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz,as Iran continued to target oil facilities in the Gulf.
The Aspides mission will not be changed to help the US protect oil tankers from Iran
Donald Trump usually speaks as if the world were a board that must align itself with his decisions. When that does not happen, he resorts to warnings, ultimatums or accusations against allies and adversaries alike. The U.S. president no longer takes time to resort to public threats and his stubbornness that rarely admits nuances. U.S. allies said Monday that they do not have immediate plans to send ships to unlock the Strait of Ormuz, thus rejec…
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