Multiple countries in Europe refuse to join war against Iran

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, also said military involvement is not on the table.

Germany has also made clear it will not participate in the conflict: “There was never a joint decision on whether to intervene. That is why the question of how Germany might contribute militarily does not arise. We will not do so,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

At the same time, he added that while the Iranian regime “must end,” “bombing it into submission is, in all likelihood, not the right approach.”

Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, also questioned the US strategy, and Trump himself, saying: “This is not our war, we have not started it. What does Donald Trump expect from a handful of European frigates in the strait of Hormuz that the mighty US navy cannot manage alone? This is the question I find myself asking.”

Elsewhere in Europe, countries including the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Estonia have expressed uncertainty, raising questions about the purpose and ultimate goal of operations in the Strait of Hormuz. A Greek government spokesperson confirmed the country will not take part in any military operations related to the mission.

Australia, South Korea, Japan

Outside Europe, the pattern continues. Australia, South Korea, and Japan have each said they do not plan to participate at this time. Australia’s transport minister, Catherine King, put it plainly: “We won’t be sending a ship to the strait of Hormuz, We know how incredibly important that is but that’s not something we’ve been asked or we’re contributing to.”

South Korea has kept things more open-ended, saying it will “continue to communicate” with the US.

China’s role remains unclear. While no commitment has been made, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he expects China to act as a “constructive partner” in the region.

Trump himself has also pointed to China’s role in the situation, saying: “I think China should help, too, because China gets 90% of its oil from the straits.”

Ukraine has offered support

Amid the hesitation, there has been one notable, and somewhat unexpected, response. Ukraine, despite being in the middle of its own ongoing war with Russia, has indicated a willingness to assist. President Zelenskyy has reportedly offered support in countering drone threats from Iran.

“We reacted immediately,” he said. “Whenever it is possible for us to help defending civilians or US nationals, without second thought we sent our teams.”

The overall hesitation appears to have frustrated Trump, who suggested allies’ responses are being closely noted: “Whether we get support or not, but I can say this, and I said to them: We will remember.”

Whether more countries step in remains uncertain.