DID Press: European allies have rejected a U.S. proposal to establish joint naval patrols in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they would consider participating only if a lasting ceasefire with Iran is achieved, according to a report by Politico.
The report said several European governments have declined to support Washington’s initiative for a multinational maritime patrol force, arguing that any such mission should follow a durable de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to Politico, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been seeking backing from the United Kingdom and France, but has encountered significant reservations from both governments.The publication also reported that U.S. and British officials are planning talks in London on the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the meeting is not expected to produce a major breakthrough, with European officials reportedly remaining dissatisfied over what they see as Washington’s disregard for previous European warnings about the consequences of military action against Iran.
European sources cited by Politico said many governments are reluctant to join what they describe as a “high-risk mission,” arguing that the White House has not treated its European partners as equal stakeholders in key strategic decisions.
The report noted that a similar initiative proposed during the Trump administration to escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz also failed to secure broad international support despite extensive diplomatic efforts.