NATO allies have reportedly declined to take part in United States President Donald Trump’s proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, signalling deep divisions within the alliance over the escalating tensions with Iran.
According to diplomatic statements on Monday, key European members of NATO, including the United Kingdom and France, said they would not be directly involved in enforcing any blockade during active hostilities. Instead, they proposed a multinational initiative focused on securing the waterway once fighting ends.
The Strait of Hormuz — a critical global energy route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes — has become a flashpoint amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Western allies. Iran has reportedly tightened control over the passage since the start of the war, restricting maritime traffic.
The US military had earlier indicated that any blockade effort would be limited to vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports, following unsuccessful diplomatic talks aimed at ending weeks of conflict.
However, European leaders stressed that their focus remains on maintaining freedom of navigation and de-escalation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would not be drawn into active combat operations, despite external pressure.
“We’re not supporting the blockade,” Starmer said, adding that Britain’s priority is avoiding direct involvement in the conflict while safeguarding maritime routes after hostilities cease.
France, alongside other European partners, is instead working on plans for a coordinated multinational maritime mission to ensure safe passage in the strait once conditions stabilise. French President Emmanuel Macron said the proposed operation would be strictly defensive and deployed only when the situation allows.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has previously indicated that the alliance could play a role if member states agree on a unified mission framework, though no consensus has yet been reached.
Diplomatic sources say discussions are ongoing among roughly 30 countries, including several European and Asian partners, to explore a coordinated approach to maritime security in the region.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high between Washington and European allies, with analysts warning that the disagreement could further strain relations within NATO as geopolitical pressure intensifies in the Middle East.
