Trump Demands Europe Send Warships to the Strait of Hormuz

The US is stepping up pressure on its European partners, demanding not only political support but also military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to SPIEGEL, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte informed European capitals that US President Donald Trump expects concrete commitments in the coming days regarding the deployment of warships or other military capabilities from Europe.

Political statements, as in the early days after the war began, are no longer enough.

Trump’s demand is effectively an ultimatum, according to several European diplomats who were briefed following the NATO Secretary General’s meeting with the US President.

Berlin has also signaled in recent days its fundamental readiness for a joint mission in the Strait.

At the same time, according to the German government, certain conditions must be met for this—in particular, a clear UN mandate, a lasting ceasefire, or even an agreed-upon truce.

In addition to the demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump is putting significant pressure on NATO partners with other threats.

According to reports in the American media, he is currently compiling a list of European NATO member states that have supported him in the war against Iran or opposed him.

According to these reports, Trump then intends to withdraw American troops from those countries that have shown intransigence.

Spain is likely to be in the spotlight, as its government even denied the US Air Force overflight rights for fighter jets and refueling aircraft.

Germany, for its part, has not imposed any restrictions on the use of large US bases.

Despite this, Trump has classified the German government as an opponent of the war—primarily due to the statement that the military campaign “is not our war.” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius uttered this phrase.