Capitals, March 16 (SANA) – Several European countries have signaled they will not participate in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions in the region and calls by the United States to form a coalition to secure shipping through the strategic waterway.
Greece announced it would not join any military mission in the strait, which has been largely closed following the escalation of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Athens would instead continue participating in the European Union’s “Aspides” maritime mission, which is tasked with protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Spain also rejected involvement in military operations in the area. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the priority for European countries should be international efforts aimed at ending the war and preventing further escalation, rather than launching military missions in the Gulf.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles likewise dismissed a request by U.S. President Donald Trump for allied countries to provide military support to secure navigation through the strait, stressing that temporary security measures would not address the root cause of the crisis.
Other European countries, including Germany, Italy and Greece, have also expressed reluctance to participate in military operations in the strategic waterway, while some governments have yet to take a final position.
Meanwhile, European Union energy ministers are discussing emergency measures to address the surge in oil and gas prices triggered by the regional conflict and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade normally passes.
European officials are considering a range of measures to protect consumers from rising energy costs, including financial support for affected industries, tax reductions on energy and possible intervention in the gas market.
The disruption of maritime traffic in the strait has intensified concerns over global energy supplies, as the widening regional conflict continues to shake international energy markets.
Kh.A
